Prologue
Eccentric nobleman, Don Quixote is lost in a dream inspired by the stories of gallantry and chivalry from the books he compulsively reads. He wakes from his sleep, with the lines between fantasy and reality blurred - he has lost his reason. Convinced that he is a courageous medieval knight, he decides to take up his lance and set out to bravely defend the helpless. The Don straddles his ‘stallion’, and, with his humble and faithful servant Sancho Panza at his side, sets forth in search of adventure.
ACT I
Scene I
At the Piazza in San Sebastian, Kitri, daughter of Lorenzo, a local innkeeper, searches for her lover Basilio, a young barber. They hope to marry, but Kitri’s father has another husband in mind for her: the wealthy but vain Gamache.
Kitri and Basilio’s happy meeting is quickly broken up by a furious Lorenzo, when he sees Kitri prefers Basilio to Gamache. Gamache asks Lorenzo for Kitri's hand. Lorenzo, who is thrilled to have so highborn a gentleman for a son-in-law, accepts on behalf of his daughter and tries to force her into agreeing; horrified, Kitri refuses.
The townspeople are delighted by the unexpected arrival of Espada, a famous Matador, and Mercedes, a street dancer. Soon after, the Don, along with his ‘squire’, Sancho Panza, happen upon the scene. When the Don sees Kitri with Basilio, he is convinced that she is the princess from one of his fantasies - Dulcinea. Enchanted, he asks her to dance. Much to the rage of Gamache, Kitri accepts, but quickly returns to Basilio. Soon, with the help of their friends, the young lovers flee, hotly pursued by Lorenzo and Gamache. They, in turn, are followed by the Don and Sancho Panza.
Scene II
Kitri and Basilio escape to the plains, where they believe they have found safety and seclusion, when they are happened upon by a mob of bandits. Lorenzo and Gamache are sighted in the distance. Basilio explains his predicament to the bandits and enlists their help in making an escape. The Don and Sancho Panza arrive and, to cause a distraction the bandits start to dance allowing the lovers to flee together.
A storm approaches and the bandits prepare to move camp. The Don, still deeply delusional and tormented by the storm, is threatened by what he believes to be giants. Lance in hand; he bravely tilts at his ‘enemies’ – windmills he believes to be giants. Weakened by his efforts, the Don collapses and loses consciousness. Sancho Panza flees to find help.
Whilst unconscious, Don Quixote dreams of a meeting with the Queen of the Dryads and Cupid, who present his heroine, Dulcinea, with whom he is completely and utterly enamoured. Eventually, the dream fades and the Don returns to reality to find himself alone with Sancho Panza.
ACT II
Scene I
In a tavern outside San Sebastian, the lovers are happily celebrating their escape with friends. Still determined to force Kitri into the unwanted marriage, Lorenzo and Gamache arrive at the tavern. In desperation, Basilio pretends to stab himself, and Kitri implores the Don for help.
Ever true to his sense of gallantry, the Don forces Lorenzo to bless Kitri and Basilio before the young lovers are parted forever. But no sooner have they received the blessing than Basilio leaps to his feet. The lovers are happily united, and they and their friends return to the Piazza for the wedding celebrations.
Scene II
The townspeople start the celebrations with a lively Fandango, led by Espada and Mercedes. Kitri’s Bridesmaids arrive to herald the happy couple and there is much merriment.
The Don, having gallantly helped his love, mounts his ‘stallion’ and, with the trusty Sancho Panza by his side, slowly rides from the scene in search of his next adventure.