Don Giovanni revamp opens at the New Vic

Jun 25 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

MUSICAL maverick Chris Monks returns to the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme with his eighth opera adaptation for the theatre.

Since 1995 the writer/musician/director has been wowing audiences and critics alike with his witty, exhilarating and original interpretations.

Now Don Giovanni completes a trilogy of Mozart adaptations, following the success of The Magic Flute and The Marriage of Figaro.

For this re-working, the libertine Don Giovanni has been transformed into Count Zhivarny, a bogus Hungarian stage illusionist. Dashing and charismatic, he has one aim: to seduce the entire female population of Victorian London!

His conquests include a vengeful scientist, a love-lorn actress, and a newly-married cockney barmaid. But, as his victims close in intent on revenge, can he pull off a death-defying disappearing act? And will he escape the ghostly spectre of the murdered Dr Manometer?

“I wanted to include aspects of the supernatural, a lot of magic and illusion, and suddenly I realised that Don Giovanni should be the sort of guy who sawed women in half for a living”, explains Chris, who’s drafted in real-life illusionist Paul Kieve to help create the on-stage trickery.

He added: “I’ve tried to take opera back to its roots, but to make it as accessible as it was in Mozart’s time, you need to update it for a 21st century audience. I love opera and would like more people to enjoy it.”

For this spectacular production, Chris has cast ten actors, many with West End credentials.

They include Jez Unwin (Martin Guerre, Evita) as Zhivarny, Marcus Cunningham (Jerry Springer The Opera, Tim Burton'sŠSweeney Todd) and Deborah Crowe (The Sound of Music, The Phantom of the Opera). Phil Corbitt returns to the New Vic after a recent stint in Coronation Street.

Tickets for Don Giovanni, which runs from June 27-July 19, can be booked by calling the box office on 01782 717962, or online at www.newvictheatre.org.uk