Evita

Staging Evita is no mean task at the best of times: the performers must rely on their vocal and emotional range to carry the story. BFAOS upscaled the challenge with little to no assistance from elaborate sets or costumes and succeeded in delivering a successful retelling of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classic. 

Fiona McRobbie delivered a tour-de-force performance as Eva Perón. From her ambitious beginnings to her poignant final moments, Fiona captured every nuance of Eva’s complex journey. Her powerful rendition of “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” brimming with emotional depth and control. “You Must Love Me” was a highlight of my evening. 

Marcus Wylie was captivating as Che, embodying the enigmatic narrator with sharp wit and commanding stage presence. His vocal delivery, particularly during “Oh What a Circus” and “High Flying, Adored,” was both biting and poignant, offering a perfect counterpoint to Eva’s story.

Chris Wylie brought gravitas to the role of Juan Perón. His strong baritone and understated performance provided a steady and believable anchor to Eva’s ambition.

David Newton was charming as Augustin Magaldi. Katie Lynn Moffat delivered a heartbreaking rendition of “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” as Perón’s Mistress. Her delicate and emotive performance was a standout moment, earning one of the most heartfelt applauses of the night.

The stripped back staging placed the focus squarely on the performers and the music. Subtle lighting shifts and projections effectively set the tone for key moments. 

The balance between the orchestra and vocals was expertly handled by Accent Audio ensuring the performers’ voices were always clear and impactful. While this challenging score tested the enthusiastic ensemble and orchestra, it was evident the cast have worked exceptionally hard on this production, complimenting the scenes with energy and character. 

Ross Lesslie’s direction brought something unique in his vision, and the Oria Milne’s choreography was simple and effective leaving the audience with an unforgettable evening. 

Congratulations to all. Thank you for the invite. 

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