UPI reported the news. "I think it actually will be an interesting play," Banderas told the news service. "I think it is a very smart proposal for theater." Banderas garnered much praise (and a Tony Award nomination) for his Broadway debut in the Leveaux revival staging of Nine as the show's focal character Guido Contini.
Don Juan DeMarco the musical is based on the 1995 film starring Marlon Brando, Johnny Depp and Faye Dunaway. The film centers on a nearly-retired psychiatrist who has a client who claims to be the famed title lover.
Nine marked the Broadway musical debut for Banderas, who is remembered for his movie musical turn as Che in "Evita" opposite Madonna. The actor is known for his film work which includes "The Mask of Zorro," "Shrek 2" (and its upcoming sequel), "Desperado," "The Mambo Kings," the "Spy Kids" movies and HBO's "And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself."
Leveaux has, since Nine, directed the revivals of Fiddler on the Roof, The Glass Menagerie and Jumpers. His name was, at one time, attached to Maury Yeston and Peter Stone's Death Takes a Holiday with Banderas as a possible lead.
An earlier workshop of the developing Don Juan musical was held at Seattle Repertory Theatre in May 1998 with John Cullum as the shrink. Cullum also appeared (with David Campbell and Mary Beth Piel in the respective Depp and Dunaway roles) for a 1998 Manhattan reading of it. The show at that time was penned by librettist Craig Lucas, lyricist Ellen Fitzhugh and composer Walter Edgar "Skip" Kennon with Joe Mantello directing. Lucas confirmed to Playbill.com he is no longer with the project.