Casanova play woos audiences

The musical was composed and produced by Red Canzian, the bassist and composer of the legendary Italian band Pooh. As one of the key figures of the band, Canzian created 36 original songs for Casanova, most of which pay homage to Italian classical music while also incorporating elements of pop and rock.

"I was born in 1951, and during my youth, I grew up listening to famous bands like The Beatles. However, I was influenced by traditional Italian music from a young age, which I incorporated into my music composition," Canzian says.

In Casanova, Canzian also attempted to blend the style of popular music with the highly traditional opera art of Italy, "hoping to present to everyone the romance and charm of Venice".

Furthermore, he collaborated with the stage director of the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Massimo Checchetto, to design over 30 scenes in the play. Checchetto first captured a series of real-life photos in Venice, which were then processed with special effects to re-create the 18th-century Venetian atmosphere onstage.

"Venice is like an elderly woman, fragile yet still enchanting and romantic. She carefully guards her secrets. My work is a declaration of love to such an incredible city," Checchetto says.

In addition to the moving music and exquisite stage design, the costumes of the actors also left a profound impression on the audience.