Evita

EVITA

The show written by Tim Rice with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, covers the last seventeen years of Eva Peron's life, starting at sixteen, with her first taste of opportunity to better her standing in life, using men to reach ever higher circles in Argentinian society in the 1930's and 40's until her death from cancer in 1952 at the age of thirty-three.

Eleanor Cawser as Eva had the unenviable task of filling the shoes of one of the iconic Musical Female lead roles, which she did admirably, the control of her voice was delicious, carrying herself almost regally at times.

Andy Last bought a real gravitas to the ruthlessly shrewd Peron, realising what a political asset Eva was, nice interplay between the two with the duets as well.

Edward Moore as narrator Che (Guevara), subtly interlaced himself in and out of the action, a wide ranged very well controlled singing voice, gave us some lovely counterpoints with Eva.

Hannah Minness as Mistress to Peron, lovely voice, Another Suitcase in Another Hall, beautiful, almost melancholy sentiment.

Lee Smith as Magaldi, good presence in his role, the disdain from Eva about him still doing his same old act, as they meet again years later, his swift cutting reply as to her doing the same, a window into the complexity of past relationships. 

Sound and lighting were excellent, colour sumptuously bathing the stage, setting the tone, creating an underlying sultry sensuality, capturing the essence of the heat of Buenos Aires, culminating with the steamy dance numbers, particularly the silhouetted Tango dancers. Fabulous!

Director Steve Foster, together with dual choreographers, Dannie Berriman and Helena Stone crafted an evocative, tense drama. Costumes were good throughout.

The whole, very busy and quick changing ensemble were a credit to the show, good crowds scenes on stage, slick and vibrant, equally dour, and sombre as required.

Musical Directorship of David Blackwell led the nineteen-piece multi-instrumentalist orchestra through every subtle musical nuance, every instrument, particularly the Latin percussion, came across superbly mixed at a perfect level to hear everything said or sang over the music.

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.