PicksInSix Review: Evita - Drury Lane Theatre
“Will the chorus girl ever learn?”
By Ed Tracy | PicksInSix®
Eva Duarte was already a radio personality and activist in 1944 Argentina when she met, seduced and, in 1945, married the suave and calculating Juan Perón. Seven years later, after Perón had risen to the Presidency, Eva—now universally recognized as Evita—was stricken with cancer and died leaving a nation and the world to ponder just how a young girl born out of poverty could achieve such world-wide acclaim. She was 33 years old.
“EVITA,” now playing at Drury Lane, directed and choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge, stars the venerable Michelle Aravena in the role of Eva and begins at the moment in 1952 when the Argentine radio station broadcasts the passing of arguably one of the most ambitious, charismatic and powerful figures of the 20th century.
From her first appearance center stage in a stunning Ryan Park vintage gown throughout the early days and Evita’s rise to the pinnacle of power, the multi-talented Aravena delivers a commanding performance that mines the complex aspects of Eva’s relationships with Perón, the citizens of Argentina and how her extraordinary legacy will be shaped. This is exquisite storytelling, sung-through by a youthful and talented company, in a rich and visually stunning production.
The resilient musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber—the third collaboration after Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar—received seven 1976 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Dodge emphasizes the gritty struggle of the post-war era at every opportunity, accentuating the divide between the devastating poverty of the people, a prominent and recurring theme that speaks to Eva’s humanity, and the opulence and grandeur of the regime. As a result, “Evita” feels somewhat of the moment—a relevant story for our time about social position, fame and corruption.
Those themes ring through the narrative voice of Che, a cynical Argentine commoner, played magnificently by Richard Bermundez, who follows Evita’s journey out of poverty to the social circles that introduce her to the equally ambitious Perón (Sean MacLaughlin) and heads of state from around the world. The smoldering chemistry between Aravena and MacLaughlin can be felt in every scene and the passion that they have for power and control is palpable. Bermundez is the spark that continually sets this show on fire, never more so than leading the company in “And the Money Kept Rolling In.”
Music director Valerie Maze and conductor Christopher Sargent expertly bring out the majesty of the lush score. The scenic work by Michael Schweikert is stellar, including a multi-level courtyard that provides the perfect optics for Aravena’s powerful rendering of Evita’s anthem “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina.” The ensemble is bursting with top singing and dancing talent of all ages. Park’s gorgeous costumes keep coming, with some changes occurring in plain view while others appear magically, as if out of thin air. Not unlike the brief, but fascinating, life of Eva Perón.
PHOTO|Brett Beiner
DRURY LANE THEATRE
presents
EVITA
through March 20, 2022
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