Marc Anthony, Enrique Iglesias and Antonio Banderas Potential Ricky Martin Replacements for EVITA?

While Latin hearthrob Ricky Martin is signed to star in EVITA through the end of the year, with a Spring 2013 contract extension possible as well, Michael Riedel reports in today's New York Post that producers are already on the hunt for replacement stars as 'Che' to ensure the show continues when Martin departs. Riedel reports "Well, the producers are quietly putting out feelers to three star replacements — Marc Anthony, Enrique Iglesias and Antonio Banderas.
All would, I think, be solid draws, but whether any of them would want to replace Martin remains to be seen." 

Amongst the possibilities floated by the Post, Marc Anthony previously starred in Paul Simon's THE CAPEMAN and Banderas last lit up Broadway as Guido Contini in Roundabout's NINE. This would mark a theatrical debut for Iglesias. 

Currently on Broadway in EVITA, Martin, a Grammy-winning, international pop icon, has sold more than 60 million albums and performed to sold-out stadium and arena audiences throughout the world. The actor/singer previously starred on Broadway as Marius in Les Misérables in 1996. Recently, Martin’s critically praised autobiography “ME” debuted as a New York Times Bestseller, his latest album “Musica+Alma+Sexo” posted the strongest chart debut for a Spanish language album in 15 years. Martin also guest-starred as Spanish teacher David Martinez on the hit TV series GLEE.

Producers Hal Luftig and Scott Sanders' production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical EVITA stars Martin as Che, Olivier Award-winning Argentinean actress Elena Roger making her Broadway debut as Eva Peron—a role that earned her critical acclaim in the 2006 production in London's West End—and Tony Award-winner Michael Cerveris as Juan Peron. The cast also features Max von Essen as Magaldi and Rachel Potter as the Mistress. Directed by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Michael Grandage and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Rob Ashford, EVITA opened April 5, 2012, at The Marquis Theatre.

The creative team includes Tony Award-winning Scenic and Costume Designer Christopher Oram (Red), Tony Award-winning Lighting Designer Neil Austin (Red), Olivier Award-winning Sound Designer Mick Potter (Woman In White), Wig and Hair Designer Richard Mawbey (Frost/Nixon), Projection Designer Zachary Borovay (Rock of Ages), and Music Supervisor/Director Kristen Blodgette (The Phantom of the Opera), Orchestrations are by Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Cullen (Sunset Boulevard), and dance arrangements are by David Chase (Billy Elliot).

EVITA tells Eva Peron's passionate and tragic story through Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's most dazzling and beloved score, including "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," "Another Suitcase in Another Hall" and "High Flying Adored," together with "You Must Love Me," the Oscar-winning hit from the film EVITA. 

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