Review: EVITA at Kansas City

Kansas City Repertory Theatre audiences will be treated to an absolutely excellent production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1978 rock opera "Evita" as the first installment of KCRep's 2016-17 season. "Evita" is a true opera with all dialog sung rather than spoken. "Evita" stars Mariand Torres in her last role before opening in a new play on Broadway in the title role and well-known Mexican actor Mauricio Martinez as "Che."

"Evita" tells the life story of historical Argentine First Lady Eva Peron. Mrs. Peron was a transformative political figure for Argentina who died of uterine cancer in 1952 at 33 years old. Her life is told in flashback beginning with her emotional funeral by the mysterious figure of "Che." Although not specifically identified, it has been assumed that playwright Tim Rice intended him to be the reflection of Argentine physician and revolutionary Che Guevara.

Eva came from a disadvantaged rural background, the illegitimate daughter of wealthy rancher Juan Duarte. At age 15, Eva moved to live on her own at the center of Argentine life, Buenos Aires, with dreams of becoming a motion picture actress. She ultimately succeeded and earned a living as a "B" quality motion picture performer and a more successful radio personality. Eva met Argentine military man and politician Juan Peron in 1944 at a charity event. Peron soon freed himself of his first wife and married Eva the next year.

Like its two Rice/Lloyd predecessor collaborations, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," and "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Evita" was born out of a concept record album released in 1976. Two years later, it opened in London's West End, and the following year landed its runaway successes on Broadway. It has since been revived many times in New York, on tour, and on the big screen.

In the title role, Mariand Torres (Eva) is transcendent. Torres possesses a huge mezzo-soprano voice and sings the difficult and memorable Lloyd Webber score in this first class production. She makes "Eva" her own.

Mauricio Martinez (Che) marks his U.S. stage debut in KC Rep's Evita. Martinez is a well-known Mexican actor with dozens of stage, screen, and television credits on his resume. His strong tenor reverberates in the recently expanded Spencer Theater.

Both lead characters take possession of the stage under the direction of KC Rep's Artistic Director Eric Rosen. The production choices made by Rosen are distinguished by how well they work together. "Evita" is effectively performed on a minimalist two level set conceived by Jack McGraw with a full sized cyclorama set behind and used as a projection screen for vintage videos cleverly setting tone, but always subservient to the live actors.

"Evita" is highly choreographed by Darrell Grand Moultrie. The dancing sequences are extensive, but stand out for the way they areintegrated into the show as a whole.

The lead characters in Evita are as good as could be expected even on Broadway. Rarer is the way Director Rosen uses the supporting characters and the ensemble. Most actors play multiple roles and participate in the ensemble. This is does not distract from the total performance in any way. Much of the success of this production lies in casting decisions made by Rosen. "Evita" has no weak performances. Every member of the production team has done his role in a most professional way including several children integrated into the cast. Special mention should be made of Nick Duckart as Peron, Emily Shackelford as Peron's mistress, and Tim Scott as Magaldi.

The big songs are, of course, "Don't Cry for me Argentina," Night Of A Thousand Stars, "Buenos Aires," "Rainbow Tour," "A New Argentina" among many others.

"Evita" will continue at the Spencer Theater on the UMKC campus through October 2. If you are a fan of musical theater, you should not miss "Evita." Tickets are available on the KC Repertory Theatre website or by calling 816-235-2700.

Ms. Torres will be replaced by Jenny Ashman as Evita after September 18 and through October 2.

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