Evita

This is the musical version that has been released for schools‘ performance in which the story focusses on the pivotal moments of the life of Eva Peron.  Her rags to riches experience and rise to power in Argentina made a fascinating the engaging story, with the commentary from Che setting up some good contrasts.  I realise that illness has affected the cast quite badly, and that understudies had been well used.   

The hired-in set was very impressive, with balconies giving variations of height onstage, combined with open ironwork and steps.  In addition, a top central balcony was well used for the scenes where the Perons address the crowds.  The set framed the action very effectively, yet gave good entrances and shape to the acting space.

The lighting was very well set up and well operated, with accurate and subtle cueing, and follow spots were well used.  Sound was interesting as the orchestra was not in the hall, but in a separate room upstairs, with a video link. This worked very well, as the sound was well balanced and expressive, while supporting the singers but not overpowering them.  Sound effects were well timed and appropriate, while the film sequence at the opening of the show was very well done.  There was a small problem once I think with a microphone for Peron, but this did not detract from the high quality of the show. The choreography and dancing were excellent, with good precision in the moves.

The costumes were hired in and helped to create believable characters from the upper and lower classes of Argentinian society. The costumes for Eva graded very well from plain to lavish, and the dressing scene was particularly memorable as Eva prepared for her trip to Europe.  The scene at the polo match very nicely showed the class differences, with some good cameo roles.  The army uniforms looked authentic, and the musical chairs sequence as Peron dismissed his rivals was lovely!

However, as ever, it was the cast that made this production so very good.  The small stature of Eva was so fitting to the role, while Che was energetic and challenging.  Peron was a little reticent, it seemed until Eva’s death, but this may have been due to the cast disruptions - or that he was being manipulated by Eva.  The acting of the whole cast was excellent and believable in their roles, including the henchmen who assaulted Che at one stage. 

Che's was an outstanding performance, energetic, lively and beautifully sung and acted.   As a “separate” impartial observer and narrator, and dressed throughout in drab army fatigues, this characterization perfectly highlighted the narrow, poverty-stricken, dreary life of the working classes and gave force to Che’s sardonic comments about Eva and Peron’s selfish lifestyle.  Excellently portrayed as the core personality of the musical.

Eva gave a commanding performance, portraying a forceful, fiery, ambitious character.  Excellent stage presence and body language and vocally outstanding. Her credible manipulation of Peron was key to the narrative.

Magaldi: Well portrayed as a small-town tango singer, much attracted to Eva.  Good body language in showing resentment as she callously abandoned him, and a spirited attitude of refusal when they later meet.

Peron: A difficult character to portray.  Good body language expressed the compassionate side of Peron’s complex personality and his willingness to be manipulated by Eva was entirely believable, although hIs ruthless side was rather more understated.  Vocally strong.

The relationships portrayed were very well done throughout. Welcome back to the stage, BLOG, and many congratulations on an excellent production!

 

 

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