BWW Reviews: New Line Theatre's Production of EVITA

Simply put, New Line Theatre's current production of Evita absolutely rocks! Employing a more intimate staging and utilizing stripped down orchestrations acts to reinvigorate the work, personalizing the story and adding a real edge to the music. This is one of the chief reasons I'm always drawn to New Line's productions; they don't conform to the norm, offering regular theatre goers the opportunity to witness creative and imaginative takes on new works as well as more familiar ones. If you're already a fan of Evita (or musical theatre in general), or if you've only seen the misguided movie version with Madonna in the lead role, and you've been turned off to the subject as a result, then you owe it to yourself to check out New Line's darkly engaging presentation.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's conception for dramatizing Eva Peron's life isn't that dissimilar from the approach taken with Joseph (of Technicolor Dreamcoat fame). Both works focus on a character from history, both utilize a narrator to comment on, as well as carry the action forward, and both feature a musical montage of their catchy scores at, or near, the end. But, the similarities end there, with Evita charting a far less sunny course. We're witness to Eva's ambitious rise from poverty to fame (some might say infamy), but we also see her succumb in the end to a debilitating illness that saps her vitality. It's a sad tale made more relevant by the continued proliferation of political pundits who market their ugly ideals in pretty packages.

A terrific triumvirate of talent tackles the three lead roles with Taylor Pietz (Eva Peron), Todd Schaefer (Juan Peron), and John Sparger (Che) providing strong vocals to go along with their clearly defined characterizations. Pietz deftly handles the role of the headstrong and impetuous Evita, delivering a stirring performance that makes you care about her, despite her obvious flaws. Schaefer is properly compliant and supportive as Juan Peron, and Sparger imbues the narrator, Che, with a snide and cynical outlook perfectly in stride with his character.

Zachary Allen Farmer and Terrie Carolan are outstanding in secondary roles, with Farmer crooning "On This Night of a Thousand Stars" in admirable fashion, while Carolan dejectedly ponders her fate as Peron's jilted mistress during "Another Suitcase in Another Hall". Solid support is also provided by Aaron Allen, Tyla Daniels, Mike Dowdy, Macia Noorman, Jeanitta Perkins, Eeyan Richardson, David Sajewich, Michelle Sauer, Kimi Short, and Christopher Strawhun.

Scott Miller's direction is impeccable. The story moves along at a whirlwind clip, with seamless transitions allowing the action to flow unabated. The cast is sharp and focused throughout, and the ensemble singing is gorgeous. Robin Michelle Berger's playful choreography livens things up considerably, and the rousing first act finale, "A New Argentina", is a highlight. Todd Schaefer's evocative set design conjures up the locale with surprising economy, featuring smart touches like having a tiled cross on the floor at center stage. Kenneth Zinkl's lighting and Thom Crain's costumes hit their respective marks to establish the proper mood.

Special mention should also be made of the outstanding band that does splendid work bringing Webber's tune-filled score to life, including: Chris Petersen (piano/conductor), D. Mike Bauer (guitar), Dave Hall (bass), Clancy Newell (percussion), Cliff Phillips (trumpet), and Robert Vinson (reeds).

New Line Theatre's must-see production of Evita continues through July 31, 2010 in the Washington University South Campus Theatre.

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