Reviewed by: Patience Itson
The unique Spanish ballet “Don Quixote” + more is coming to Birmingham—get your tickets now
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Magic City Performing Arts (MCPA) is known for its entertaining and inspiring performances. This spring, this incredible troupe of dancers is bringing two unique opportunities to Birmingham—Ballet in the Park and Don Quixote.
Keep reading to learn more about these unforgettable productions and how you can snag your tickets now.
Ballet in the Park is MCPA’s “gift back to Birmingham”
Ballet in the Park is a free-to-attend performance that uplifts local artists and allows you to explore the beauty of dance—and it’s happening at Railroad Park!
I spoke with MCPA’s Artistic Director Stephanie Rangel about the significance of Ballet in the Park and why she brought this special performance to Birmingham.
“Birmingham’s growing arts and culture scene is so impressive, and we want to create opportunities for the student and pre-professional dancers to perform for our community.
Ballet in the Park is a wonderful way for the first-time ballet audience of all ages to get their first taste of live ballet and contemporary dance for free in a beautiful venue in the Magic City.”
Stephanie Rangel, Artistic Director, MCPA
While the dance community is often competitive, MCPA breaks this stereotype by bringing dancers from 30+ studios together to create something beautiful.
Jamie Grimes, the company manager for MCPA, told me why she loves Ballet in the Park.
“One of the things I love about Ballet in the Park is that it’s part of our mission statement—to use community talent to showcase what the Birmingham area has. It brings dancers together in a very collaborative way.”
Jamie Grimes, Company Manager, MCPA
Ballet in the Park details
- When: Sunday, April 14 | 3PM
- Where: Railroad Park, 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- FREE admission
- Bring your blankets, lawn chairs + snacks!
Don Quixote tells the story of bravery, faith + friendship
If you haven’t heard of Don Quixote—let me fill you in.
This vibrant and kid-friendly ballet tells the story of, you guessed it, Don Quixote.
In 17th-century Barcelona, Quixote dreams of becoming a brave knight and righting the world’s wrongs. Along the way, he and his faithful friend Sancho Panza encounter a cast of lively characters, such as:
- A headstrong leading lady named Kitri + her beloved Basillio
- A band of gypsies
- Dancing dryads
Over 100 Birmingham-area dancers will be gracing the stage during this epic production, including local guest artists
Here are some you’ll see:
- Patricia Bianco (Alabama Ballet)
- Luis Victor Santana González (Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico)
- Jolie Rose Lombardo (Stuttgart Ballet)
- Bryn Warren Davis (Alabama Ballet)
- Jenna Graham (Alabama Ballet)
- Anna Gardner Herren (Community Arts Tokyo, Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre)
- Brandon Mitchell (Arova Contemporary Ballet)
Why bring Don Quixote to Birmingham?
“[Don Quixote] changed the way I saw ballet—in the spirit of the audience and the connection with the people watching.
It’s timeless, beautiful, light-hearted and gives people an opportunity to see a Spanish ballet and have fun.”
Stephanie Rangel, Artistic Director, MCPA
Because of its complexity, Don Quixote is typically only presented by professional dance companies.
“This offers dancers in the area an opportunity to be in a full-length ballet that they wouldn’t normally get to perform in.
Our dancers not only see professionals perform in principal roles, but they also get to learn some of that repertoire and choreography and perform roles that they wouldn’t necessarily have access to.”
Jamie Grimes, Company Manager, MCPA
Get your tickets to Don Quixote, April 19-21
- Don Quixote Showtimes:
- Friday, April 19 | 7PM
- Saturday, April 20 | 2PM + 7PM
- Sunday, April 21 | 2PM
- Where: The Lyric Theatre, 1800 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: $20+
- Tickets
Whether you see Ballet in the Park or Don Quixote, this is what Stephanie has to say:
“You can be a seasoned patron of the arts or have no idea what you’re walking into, and still have fun at both productions.”
Stephanie Rangel, Artistic Director, MCPA
Get your tickets for Don Quixote, watch the incredible Ballet in the Park + support Magic City Performing Arts this April.
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