Evita

The announcement of Eva Peron’s death was heard as the flickering screen was playing over the house curtains and, when they opened, we caught our first glimpse of the stark set created from scaffolding with carefully positioned shafts of lights playing over the company on the stage. It was cleverly crafted to enhance the powerful first chords from the 16-piece orchestra. The company then exploded into the Requiem which, quite frankly, sent shivers down my spine. What a start to a show!

The staging was set centrally with a high platform for Eva’s appearances and was quite large and intrusive on a small stage but the cast managed to negotiate it seamlessly throughout the performance.

 Did the set transport us to Argentina and support the fascinating story of Eva Peron? Yes, it certainly did! With clever use of props and a pace that flowed fluently throughout the production, the show’s director, Sarah Pettican, moved the action swiftly through the scenes with no interruptions. The amount of creativity and work that she has put into this show cannot be underestimated. I congratulate her on providing a cohesive show blending the music, dance and actors into a sympathetic whole.

The orchestra, led by the very talented, James Green, were magnificent. Although hidden from our view, they produced the most amazing sound that blended and swayed with the action on the stage. They did not overpower or impose timings on the soloists but, rather, worked with the cast as they enjoyed the intensity of the score. The harmonies and melodies that James instilled into the chorus and the soloists were so tricky to sing and were performed beautifully.

Choreography, by Hannah O’Brien, was modern and creative. I particularly liked the ‘flamenco’ style hand movements and the adaptation of the steps to suit the Argentinian tango- type setting.

The group has assembled an impressive set of cast and principals all with wonderful voices. Their harmonies and delivery were all spot on and no one missed a beat in entrances and exits. Every chorus member was totally focussed all the time. My apologies for not mentioning all your names but I will single out a few. Colby Fletcher and Ben Blackburn (featured dancer and dance captain) were electrifying on stage. They danced magnificently using all parts of the scaffolding when moving as well as possessing great voices that drew everyone’s eyes when they entered the stage. I saw the Blue team of children in action on the night that I visited. They were all amazing and, especially, Katerina Stowe-Mici and Hannah Lambert who featured as soloists in the song Santa Evita. They had such pure clear voices; they were wonderful. I’m sure the White team are equally as good and I’m sorry I didn’t get to hear you.

 

 Che, played by Simon Bristoe, entered the stage with a glowering, intense presence which he maintained all through the show. He drove the story through with the sheer power of his body language and the carefully timed and delivered songs. It was a masterclass in tone, volume and timing to grip the audience into the narrative. At times, when he paused, you could hear a pin drop in the auditorium. I thoroughly enjoyed his interpretation of the role. Simon Lambert, in the role of Peron, has such a beautifully easy delivery coupled with an amazing voice. His duet with Eva establishing the ground rules for their relationship (I’d be surprisingly good for you) was one of my highlights, but there were so many highlights in this show that it is difficult to restrict it to one or two. Some clever choreography was used to dismiss the generals. Simon seems to be settling into roles of powerful men lately.

Jamie Miller in his first role with SODS as Agustin Magaldi and Katy Adams as Peron’s Mistress both sang 2 of the famous songs from Evita. Jamie sang On this Night of a Thousand Stars and demonstrated a lovely sense of tango-style rhythm. Katy’s beautifully light soprano voice was absolutely glorious in Another Suitcase in Another Hall.

Now, to talk about Charlotte Bedford who took on the huge role of Eva Peron. Rarely off the stage, Charlotte sang her heart out. It was such difficult music with key changes and transitions but she achieved it all with ease. Her voice was strong and clear with a lovely resonance in the upper ranges. As well as the musicality and ease of movement, she was instrumental in setting the changing moods within the show and we were all totally her supporters. Her song,’ You must love me ‘had me searching for my hanky for a bit of grit in my eye. This was an absolutely stunning performance. Treasure this moment in your heart, Charlotte, you deserve all the applause.

Finally, I must congratulate the back stage crew…we didn’t know you were there, but the show ran smoothly and easily, which must be the ultimate accolade of great stage management. The sound was really good, no missed cues or drop outs at all and we heard every word of every song. The lighting design was so effective and enhanced the atmosphere beautifully.

Thank you so much to Dick Davies (President and Chair) and the group for inviting me to this truly remarkable show.

 

 

 

 

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