|
Though sung like an opera, with a fact-based story and Tim Rice's clever lyrics, Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1978 musical account of the Argentinian actress who became the people's darling proved a mega hit which ran for almost eight years. Alan Parker turned it into a film starring Madonna in 1996, and now it's back on stage, partially re-orchestrated and more impressive than ever.
Born in 1919, the illegitimate Eva Duarte eloped with a tango singer and ran off to Buenos Aires in a quest for fame and fortune which culminated in marriage to fascist Juan Peron (later President of Argentina) and an early death. But it's not just her rags to riches story which enthrals. It's impossible not to be moved by the poignant 'Another Suitcase in Another Hall', sung by the mistress Eva ruthlessly supplants. 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' sung in her heyday, is later echoed by her desperate 'You Must Love Me' as illness takes hold.
Argentinian Elena Roger (previously unknown here) is captivating as Evita, capturing her forceful determination and her final decline. Philip Quast's imposing Peron is suitably bowled over by the manipulative whirlwind who enters his life, and although Matt Rawle lacks a certain roughness as Che (a working-class everyman who comments cynically on the action throughout) every word he sings is crystal clear. Add some sexy high-stepping tango and Christopher Oram's evocative sets - and the Lloyd Webber/Rice partnership is sure to be raking in the royalties all over again.
© TNT Magazine
