★★★★☆
Debuting on the West End in 1978 and popularised by Madonna’s portrayal in the 1996 movie, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita is an award-winning hit, based on the fascinating story of the enigmatic Argentinian actress and activist Eva Perón (Louise Colohan), and wife of President Juan Perón (Paul Allison).
Set between 1934-1952, the frustrated narrator, Chè (Gary Jones), follows Eva through her difficult and impoverished childhood, to her rise to fame as an actress, her promiscuous relationships, her eventual stardom as Argentina’s “saintly” political activist, and her tragically untimely death.
While Evita is a classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, it’s not without its flaws. Generally, Webber’s bonkers range of stories and musical stylings are entertaining but sometimes lack sensitivity with political and cultural themes. It has several exaggerations and some inaccuracies, which have garnered it a fair share of criticism over the years (as have most Webber musicals).
Politics aside, Romiley Operatic Society’s Evita is an amazing musical extravaganza, and an emotional rollercoaster filled with rich characterisations, a moving orchestral score, and a poignantly tragic ending. Speaking of tragedy, Evita surprisingly opens like a Greek tragedy, Eva’s death already foretold, and our one-man chorus critiquing her life.
While the screens start with a slightly wonky building, later videos of candles, courts and cathedrals are well executed and sit nicely between the balconies and the visible orchestra. The first act starts a little shaky with a few pitchy notes here and there- largely a result of the challenging speedy score. However, after the first few numbers, the show really comes to life, the ensemble particularly packing a punch.
By this point, Eva’s story becomes more gripping too, as we explore her duplicity. Eva is beloved as a charitable saint by the nation and fearful of falling out of the limelight. Yet she’s often despised by Chè for her dubious (sexually gained, and maliciously maintained) rise to power, and her performative solidarity with the increasingly desperate working class, while dressed in Dior and draped in jewels.
My only wish is that Webber would have further developed these intriguing class dynamics rather than gently toying with them and leaving Chè to be the sole political commentator.
Louise Colohan performs gloriously as Eva with her powerhouse vocals shining in the famous tear-jerker ‘On the Balcony of the Casa Rosada’. The pale spotlight drapes over her luxuriously flowing gown while her gentle demeanour, expressive physicality, and passionate delivery win the audiences’ hearts. Her ethereal final appearance on the balcony during the funeral lament as her flag and flower adorned coffin rises centre stage was hauntingly poignant.
Gary Jones is phenomenal as Ché; he seamlessly oscillates between his quick-witted repartee and earnest frustration during ‘Waltz for Eva and Ché’ and ‘Oh What a Circus’, and his more tender reflections during numbers like ‘High Flying Adored’. His cheeky undertones are especially fun additions, yet he still maintains the seriousness and gravity of Ché’s social commentary.
John Harrison’s dulcet classy tones are perfectly suited to Magaldi’s charismatic persona, charming with his rendition of ‘On This Night of a Thousand Stars’, and ‘Beware the City’.
While there were a few quivering accents here and there, these three actors consistently maintained theirs even during the incredibly challenging, fast-paced numbers.
Entertaining choreography by Gary Jones allows the ensemble to flourish. The uplifting harmonies and synchronous routine to ‘A New Argentina’ were particularly memorable, the Les Misérables-like anthem breathing so much life and vivacity into the show. ‘Santa Evita’ was another touching number, more classical with its church hymn style but charmingly performed by a choir of children and nuns.
While it’s not the most ambitious or visually stunning of ALW’s line-up, ROS’s production of Evita is full of heart. The first half takes a while to develop, but when the story gathers momentum, it constantly intrigues and amazes, even with its simplistic set design. The cast and ensemble are sure to amaze in this dazzling edition of Evita.
JADAR 