“Don Juan might appear as a flawless man who can seduce anyone and bend others to his will, but even he falls in love, revealing his weaknesses and vulnerabilities. This will be the most human Don Juan you’ve ever seen,” said Gian Marco Schiaretti, the 39-year-old lead actor of the production.
Starting April 4, for just ten days, the French original musical Don Juan will take the stage at the Opera Theater of the Seoul Arts Center. But in an era defined by women’s rights and political correctness, one might wonder: is a musical about a legendary philanderer from Western folklore outdated? Yet, this story, which many think they already know, might just surprise audiences with a completely new interpretation.
In an interview on Jan. 14 at a hotel in Seoul’s Jongno District, Schiaretti shared what makes the musical unique. “No one is perfect, and no one is free from pain,” he said. “Even Don Juan, born into nobility and living on his own terms, embodies these truths.” Unlike the historical figure Casanova, Don Juan is a fictional character originating from European folklore, later brought to life through literature, theater, and opera.
Schiaretti highlighted the key difference between the titular character in Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni and the musical Don Juan. “In the opera, Don Giovanni seduces women and commits heinous acts before meeting an unrepentant death. In the musical, however, Don Juan falls in love, kills the woman’s father in a duel, and is cursed in Act 1. In Act 2, he confronts the consequences of his actions and seeks redemption through his death,” he explained. The actor emphasized the character’s transformation as the heart of the story. “It’s fascinating to see how Don Juan—honor-driven, prideful, and even macho—evolves over the course of the narrative.”
Known for his intense, rugged roles, Schiaretti has portrayed iconic characters such as Tarzan in the musical version of Disney’s animation Tarzan in Paris and London and appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita. S. Korean audiences may remember him as Phoebus, the young and dashing captain of the guard in the 2021 Korean tour of Notre Dame de Paris by the French original cast.
Another distinctive feature of Don Juan, according to Schiaretti, is the incorporation of authentic flamenco performances by the Carlos Rodriguez Dance Company. “You’ll forget everything you thought you knew about flamenco. It’s a rare, electrifying experience,” he said.
While watching from backstage during costume changes, Schiaretti often finds himself captivated by the performers. “Their dance is so poignant and beautiful that I can’t help but be mesmerized,” he admitted. He also pointed to the unique journeys of the three women whose lives change after encountering Don Juan as another compelling element of the show.
First premiered in Quebec, Canada, in 2004, Don Juan created a sensation before transferring to the Palais des Congrès in Paris in 2005, where it became a box-office hit. The production has since toured internationally, including a Japanese remake by the Takarazuka Revue in 2016 and a sold-out monthlong run in Shanghai in 2022 as part of its 20th-anniversary world tour. Now, its next stop is S. Korea.
Born in Parma, Italy, Schiaretti grew up immersed in classical music and was discovered at 18 by Riccardo Cocciante, composer of Notre Dame de Paris. Cast as Mercutio in the Italian national tour of Romeo and Juliet, Schiaretti credits his performance at Verona Arena, one of the world’s premier theaters, with transforming his career. “I was a nervous and restless teenager, but I gave my all and felt embraced by the audience. It was an overwhelming show of love,” he recalled. “Even now, Verona feels like home, the place where I was reborn as an artist.”
Schiaretti’s résumé includes performances at world-class venues such as New York’s Lincoln Center and London’s National Theatre. Reflecting on the essence of Don Juan, he said, “Like Notre Dame de Paris, this musical is quintessentially French, with its storytelling and emotion conveyed entirely through music. It combines striking visuals, poetic lyrics, and unforgettable melodies to create a deeply moving experience.”
Schiaretti also expressed his admiration for Korean audiences, describing them as “reserved and attentive during the show but wildly enthusiastic during the curtain call.” “I look forward to experiencing that energy again,” he said, visibly excited about his upcoming performances in Seoul.
