Review: EVITA at Asolo Repertory Theatre

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita is centered around the life of actress Eva Perón who used her charisma to rise from poverty in Buenos Aires to prominence as Argentina's First Lady by the age of 27. As First Lady she used her glamour to captivate her country and admirers worldwide. Known for its haunting lament, "Don't Cry for Me Argentina", the musical is full of exquisite music and dance, political satire, passion and scandal. Evita won 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score.

In the production offered at The Asolo Repertory Theatre the program began rather abruptly and took the audience by surprise, as some viewers were still adjusting and unprepared to sink in to the opening scene. We were quickly transported to a movie theatre in Argentina as the movie came to an abrupt stop and a voice rang out announcing the death of Eva. What followed was nothing less than the brilliance of captivating staging. A woman in a flowing white gown lying horizontally in the air is slowly lowered above the heads of the mourners below. Masterfully intricate movements with flickering votives were mesmerizing.

The show is narrated by Che (Justin Gregory Lopez) who offers political commentary throughout the production and is cleverly woven into scenes while interacting with the cast. The ensemble of 29 performers are continually moving, changing costumes, rearranging sets and effortlessly singing and dancing their way around the stage and overflowing into the theatre. Director/Choreographer Josh Rhodes maintains a steady pace and demands everything from his large cast. Mr. Lopez is absolutely convincing as Che, in a role he was born to play. His convictions and passion a la Che Guevara are gripping. Puerto Rican recording artist/actress Ana Isabelle is radiant as Eva. From her small stature she had the pipes to belt out notes she needed to reach and capture your attention. Ms. Isabelle was solidly believable as Eva, which placed the audience in a position of understanding the presence Eva Perón represented to so many.

Nick Duckart as Juan Perón is more diminutive in his role. Perhaps because Eva exuded so much charm, Juan in real life never measured up to her persona and does not in this production either. Mr. Duckart did a fine job in his role but I would like to have seen more depth. Gizel Jimenez did a lovely job on her solo as Juan Perón's ex-mistress, dismissed by Eva as she makes her own advances on Juan. Augustin Magaldi (Victor Souffrant) offers some lighthearted comedy as a very bad, very cheesy tango dancer/singer who sees himself as God's gift to women. Junior Cervila and Guadalupe Garcia tango their way in and out of scenes adding a touch of provocative elegance and intensity.

Costume Designer Brian C. Hemesath was careful to dress Eva as the dignitary with sass while minding the roles of each cast member and fitting them with appropriate attire. Paul Tate DePoo III's masterful sets included a towering staircase that transformed into the balcony from which Eva sings the famous "Don't Cry For Me Argentina". Projection Designer Alex Basco Koch had his work cut out and he was up to the task providing everything from crowd scenes to images on Eva's dresses that were suspended in the air. Lighting Designer Paul Miller and Lighting Programmer Jackson Miller provided ambient lighting that beautifully elevated or toned down the feel of each scene.

This is a production not to be missed. In its tradition of excellent theatre and fresh ideas, Asolo Repertory Theatre once again hits the nail on the head.

Evita runs through December 30, 2017. For more information visit www.asolorep.org.

Now and it's 59th season Asolo Repertory Theatre is recognized as one of the premier professional theaters in America. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and Managing Director Linda DiGabriele, Asolo is one of the few select theatres in the nation that performs in true rotating repertory. This unique performance method gives audiences the opportunity to see multiple productions in the span of a few days.

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