Bolshoi Ballet’s ‘Don Quixote’

Opening night gained a new level of drama after injury caused Natalia Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev to be named as replacements for marquee principals Svetlana Zakharova and Alexander Volchkov. The pair portray young lovers who are key to Don Quixote’s adventures. Here, Osipova soars past the Bolshoi’s corps de ballet.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Ivan Vasiliev, as the young lover Basil, cuts a dashing figure.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

The ballet is, of course, Spanish-accented, as is evident in this street scene in which Ivan Vasiliev’s Basil lifts his beloved: Natalia Osipova as Kitri.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

The Bolshoi company whirls across the stage of the center’s Segerstrom Hall.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Maria Isplatovskaya is in background as Olga Stebletsova, left, and Victoria Osipova display their suppleness.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

A teasing crowd turns a blanket into a trampoline as it tosses Alexander Petukhov, as Sancho Panza, aloft.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Andrey Merkuriev portrays the toreador Espada.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

The company gets a moment in the sun.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Alexey Loparevich strikes a very Don Quixote-like pose.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Natalia Osipova, as Kitri, and Ivan Vasiliev, as Basil, make a grand gesture. The Bolshoi is at the Orange County Performing Arts Center through the afternoon of Feb. 28. Other principals perform Feb. 25, 26 and (evening) 27.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)