Anyone reading the title probably thinks I’ve lost my mind. One, Don Giovanni premiered in 1787, so it hardly counts as new; and two, it’s an opera, not a musical. Au contraire! Seattle native Jesse Smith has written and composed a new show based on Mozart and Ponte’s classic work. Now, in collaboration with Fruition Productions, Smith’s musical is about to start its inaugural run at Seattle Musical Theatre.

So what’s different about this musical? First of all, it’s in English, and not merely a translation either. Mr. Smith started completely from scratch. Not only are the lyrics original, but music itself. The new Don Giovanni has music that incorporates operatic elements into more modern sound. I got to hear the opening number while sitting in on a rehearsal, and it was beautiful.

Beyond the music, the entire setting of Don Giovanni has been changed. The show now takes place in 1920′s Spain, in the years leading up to the Spanish Civil War. There is a more supernatural aspect to the setting as well, but I’ll say no more on that lest I give too much away!

However, through these changes, the essential story and characters of Don Giovanni have been preserved. Leporello is still the much abused servant, and Giovanni himself is still the unapologetic rake on a never ending search for romantic conquests. Also, while the music is new, Mr. Smith has taken great care to ensure the original emotional tones are intact.

On the visual side of things, Scenic Designer Joshua Tillman and Director Sara Porkalob explained to me that this show is all about dichotomy and contrast. The set pits doom and gloom against bright colors, with inspiration from the likes of M.C. Escher. The dichotomy goes beyond purely visual and into the physical as well. Don Giovanni’s choreography, especially the big group numbers, are blends of rigid, traditional Spanish dances like the flamenco and looser, more recent styles.

Don Giovanni opens January 7th 2011, at Seattle Musical Theater. It plays through the 23rd, with shows on Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and a Sunday 2:00pm matinee. Tickets start at $20 dollars for students/seniors and are available here. I hope to see you there.