Evita

‘ My biggest fear in life is to be forgotten ‘ 

‘ I am only a simple woman who lives to serve Peron and my people ‘

‘ One cannot accomplish anything without fanaticism’

‘ Shadows cannot see themselves in the mirror of the sun ‘

‘ Time is my Greatest Enemy ‘

Five significant phrases from Eva Peron, cleverly positioned throughout the programme. 

Evita the story of Eva through her short but totally committed 33 years. From a life of poverty rising to a high social and political status . Eva and her life story will never be forgotten. Starting life in the village of Toldos, reaching her teenage years by pure determination and drive making varying contacts led her to the bright lights of Buenos Aires and eventually to meet and marry the soon to be President Juan Perron.

Dronfield MTG a long-established theatre company who continue to be inclusive, always encouraging new comers and younger members alike so creating theatre that allows all ages to be included. 

Evita being exclusively a sung production required a strong principal cast ably backed up by a capable committed ensemble. The set was cleverly laid out with a full platform upstage with access stairs upstage left. A rolling scaffold unit allowed the ideal area for town announcements to the crowds. Also doubling as the subtle change facility as young Eva became adult Eva. 

The direction and choreography by Gavin Ward and Andrea Powell was well organised, not always easy with a large ensemble in a fairly restricted space . The set changes, some by cast some by back stage kept the production moving well. A number of well thought out ensemble scenes showed good stage awareness throughout. The musical Evita is a real test of the company throughout and compliments must go to your musical director Judith Haywood who clearly had worked tirelessly to enable you all to achieve the singing quality achieved. The live orchestra added so much to this production, well done

Che Guevara by Albert Cash gave a wonderful performance almost in a narrator style. Singing with such depth and meaning opening the principal involvement from the auditorium with ‘Oh what a Circus’ setting the scene for what was to follow. Many more followed which were all delivered to the highest standard. Agustin Magaldi by Edward Hodd a tango singer befriended by Eva as her quest to go far began, however, later to be rejected. Strong characterisation of the role with clear powerful singing with ‘On this Night of a Thousand Stars’ . The Mistress by Sarah Betts, The mistress of Peron shunned by Eva , a well performed role with the excellent delivery of ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’ a stand out number beautifully portrayed. Juan Peron by Andrew Hibbert, a role requiring military discipline ,stage presence whilst portraying love and kindness to Eva during her rising quests and finally as she become irretrievably poorly. Well delivered songs with strength and meaning. 

The production team decided to create a Young Eva by Lily Ward with a clever switch to Eva Peron by Ellie Ashmore. This certainly provided excellent opportunities for these two talented actors, whilst initially seeming strange I can see the benefit. The total commitment and strength required for the role of Eva, with so many challenging songs would be a test for most performers. Young Eva , you certainly owned your role, some really excellent characterization and song delivery. ‘Buenos Aires ‘and then’ as previously mentioned ‘ the switch.’ You started singing ‘I’d Be Surprisingly Good For You’, disappearing behind the screen ,then the role taken over by Eva Peron by Ellie Ashmore. The need to show a strength of character along with the overriding desire to assist in Juan Peron’s rise to power. A very challenging role performed well. Your rendering of ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ was quite exquisite. Excellent scenes with Peron and when rousing the people to respond. Your ‘Final Broadcast’ was very moving. 

A number of well delivered small cameos along with some memorable ensemble pieces, well directed and performed. The sound was well balanced allowing the performers to be clearly heard and the lighting providing atmosphere top the production throughout.

A very enjoyable production , not an easy one to perform with challenging, testing singing throughout but done well.  

Well done to all the unsung support team, chaperones, set build, props, costumes along with all the aspects of a production that many never see or realise.

May I also thank you for the well throughout and informative programme, along with the excellent wall displays showing her journey through life.

Wishing you well for the remainder of the run and thank you again for the hospitality received

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