Evita

This challenging show was a great choice for the society and the standard of the performance is a measure of the strength the society now enjoys in all departments and augurs well for the future. The Lord Lloyd Webber’s score is most demanding of the orchestra, principals and company and so fast does it move that the audience sometimes has barely enough time to react with applause. While the principals are few in number as the show is written, Largs preserved the balance with a large chorus of the People of Argentina, Eva’s Family and numerous Aristocrats, Generals, the Army and the Children of Argentina.
Jamie Thomson excelled in the role of Che Guevara, the Argentinian Marxist and revolutionary with the power of his singing and assured stage presence. His leading lady Eva Duarte, played by Ruth Hutchinson in her first appearance with the society was equally impressive with her talented and expressive singing, coupled with a sympathetic interpretation of the role of Eva. Andy Park, an experienced principal with the society was cast as Juan Peron, a role in which he excelled with his strong baritone voice. Rachel Scott returned to the cast this season to play her second role with the society as Peron’s Mistress and John Scott took the interesting and demanding role of the tango singer Augustin Magaldi.
The Barrfields Pavilion Theatre was full for the matinee I attended and I am sure the evening bookings would be similar. The show was a real tour de force with a well chosen orchestra under the baton of David Edwards and President Fiona Page, the Committee and the production team and the society deserve all credit for staging a truly memorable show.        

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