The curtain rose on a certified theatre classic last night, when Evita returned to Milton Keynes Theatre.
Telling the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Evita follows Eva’s journey from humble beginnings through to extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status which ultimately lead her to be heralded as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’ by the Argentine people.
Gian Marco Schiaretti is starring as Che in the production, as he continues his first UK tour. The leading Italian performer recently plated the title role of Tarzan in Disney’s musical, and prior to that was Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet in his homeland.
He went On Stage with Total MK and shared his passion for theatre with us…
Tell us about your first memory of the theatre
I was 8 years old and I remember that my first live performance was in a singing competition. I was so excited and I already wanted to be as good as I could. My parents were so nervous that made me wear a pair of shoes with 2 different numbers; so one was longer than the other. That is always a sweet memory.
And the moment when you realised the theatre was your calling
I realize that a bit later watching at the theatre Notre Dame de Paris and The Phantom of the Opera. I was part of the audience and my eyes started to dream about my future. I wanted to be part of that. That must be my way.
Any dreadful calamities, or funny happenings on stage that you would care to share with us?
In Romeo and Juliet we were fighting with swords, so sometimes we really hurt ourselves. But I think the funniest happening on stage was while playing Tarzan. I almost lost my costume whilst flying over the audience.
Which stage actor, living or dead, would you most like to meet, and what question would you ask them?
My biggest idol is Luciano Pavarotti. He always made me cry with his incredible talent. He is always my inspiration.
Do you have any superstitions, or pre-performance routines?
I do not have particular superstitions, especially because we are playing every day. I just think I try to prepare myself in the same way before every show, but I do not stick to any particular routines.
The best piece of advice given to you when you started in the business
During Romeo and Juliet, the great author told me: always remember not to sit on your success; push further and raise the bar. That is the only way you can follow to improve yourself and your performance. I truly believe that.
What do you think has been your steepest learning curve?
I think that Tarzan was a 360 degrees experience. You always have to try to be in a top condition vocally and physically. That was a great school for me.
How do you fill your spare time while on tour?
I have several passions. I love to read, going to the gym and studying . I spend hours with anatomy and physiology books
Nerves or excitement? Which takes over just before the curtain rises?
I would say nerves becoming excitement. I believe you must always feel that before every performance; this is what makes this passion an incredible adventure and a fantastic job.
Now tell us about the three favourite roles your have played so far, and what makes them special.
Every role I’ve played in my career was special, specially connected at my age and experience. I do not have a favourite one, but I can say that in the future I would love to play the Phantom or Jean Valjean.
Finally, for those yet to get a ticket for Evita, sell the show.
Evita is an incredible show. We really want to share with the audience all the emotions we live during every performance
> Evita shows at Milton Keynes Theatre through to Saturday, May 27.
To make a booking visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
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