Evita

Evita

Bentley Operatic Society

25/6/25

 

The Capstone Theatre Liverpool was a buzz with anticipation for The Bentley production of this iconic musical. The original production of Evita starring Elaine Paige as Eva and David Essex as Che, debuted at the Prince Edward Theatre on 21st June 1978. Its success led to the production winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical, and on Broadway a year later, where it was the first British musical to receive the Tony Award for Best Musical. Telling the story of Eva Peron (Sarah Mullis), wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron (Sam Troke), portraying the complexities of her character, she is depicted as both a saint and a sinner. Evita follows Eva's journey from humble beginnings in Junín, who as a teenager ran off with tango singer Agustin Magaldi (Jonny Atherton) to the capital Buenos Aires. The musical is narrated by Che (Matt Christiansen) who tells of her journey from abject poverty through to extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status which ultimately led to her heralded as the 'spiritual leader of the nation' by the Argentine people. The curtain opens on a minimalistic yet mesmerizing set, a striking metal balcony structure dominates, a rostrum is cleverly placed centre stage. The lighting design complements the simplicity of the set to perfection.

 At a cinema in Buenos Aries the death of Eva Peron is announced, she was 33 years old, Argentina is in mourning. Eva appears on the balcony, we hear the haunting instantly recognisable (Don’t Cry for me Argentina), as she reminisces Young Eva (Rosa Harrison) joins the lament. The full chorus fill the stage, (Requiem for Evita) mourning her early death. Narrator Che is unimpressed with their strength of loss for a ‘celebrity’ (Oh What a Circus). The audience knew they were in for a very special evening. Which they were.

The music of Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice is at the heart of this a sung-through musical, meaning that the story is told entirely through song with little or no spoken dialogue, emotions and events are expressed through lyrics which takes the story forward. Jonas Tattershall and the team of talented musicians skilfully deliver the wide range of musical genres, while supporting and accompanying never overwhelming the performance. Evita features some of theatre’s best-loved numbers: ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’, ‘High Flying, adored’, ‘Oh, what a Circus’, the Oscar-winning song ‘You Must Love Me’ and, of course, ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’.  Praise for sixteen-year-old Roby Hawes working with a mixed ability cast the choreography was phenomenal, combining elements of tango and rock, creating a sense of energy and excitement.

Eva quickly learns that her feminine wiles hold power among a culture, and a political system, run by men. Once she makes it to Buenos Aires, Evita finds fame and celebrity in her powers of seduction, eventually seducing the rising political figure, Juan Peron (I’d be Surprisingly Good for You), dismissing the incumbent mistress (Roz Gibson. ‘Another suitcase in Another Hall’).  Eva marries Juan Peron who becomes the President of Argentina. As First Lady of Argentina, she aligns herself with the poor, winning herself, and Peron, popularity among Argentinians (A New Argentina). Evita becomes a hero to the poor and the working class, and an enemy of the rich. Eva’s physical health deteriorates, with not long to live thanks Peron for remaining with her (You Must Love Me). In a final broadcast Eva assures the people that her love for them is never ending (Eva’s Final Broadcast). Che informs the audience that a monument was to by erected in her memory, alas her body disappeared for seventeen years.

Director Alice McCormack had a plan ‘break the mould’. Inspired casting, ingenious lighting and set design, clever low-key costumes and an amazing chorographer. Success ‘mould broken.'

This production was an absolute joy, with strong individual performances. Sarah Mullis is sublime as Eva, passionate unsentimental, and powerful, with a clear, strong voice and remarkable energy. Matt Christianson is the superlative revolutionary Che, strong stage presence and vocal performance, the audience loved him. A new concept to this show, Rosa Harrison, as a feisty young Eva, strong voice confident delivery, Sam Troke Juan Peron stately, charming, has a lovely voice. Jonny Atherton is Eva’s first love interest Agustín Magaldi, great voice, charismatic, flamboyant, Roz Gibson as Juan Peron’s mistress, distressed and rejected, moving performance. As we know a show is not just the principles, with a large ensemble of talented actors, representing the people of Argentina, including workers, the aristocracy, and the military, if you were on that stage, you were amazing.

‘Evita’ is a powerful, memorable musical, with thought-provoking themes. The Bentley production presents Eva Peron through a modern lens, highlighting her ambition and charisma while acknowledging the controversies that surrounded her and the complex nature of her legacy. An unforgettable theatrical experience I had the pleasure to experience.

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.