By Kristen Weyer.
Gateway Playhouse opens their new season with a fabulous production of Evita. Directed and choreographed by Keith Andrews, it will leave the haunting refrain of “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” on the stage and in your memory.
Evita may perhaps be best described as a political biography disguised as a musical. It follows the life of Eva Perόn, the First Lady of Argentina from 1946-1952. While not happy by any means, it is a fascinating look at a short, bright life. Born poor and working-class, Eva clawed, climbed and (ahem) slept her way up the social ladder. Though she initially started with good intentions for social reform, her ego and ambition grew until her ineffectiveness unfolded to its heartbreaking conclusion. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the score’s heavy reliance on sharps, flats and dissonance work to enhance the feeling of her struggle filled life.
An accomplished cast heightens the experience of any show. Eva Perόn is played by Amanda Rivera Torres, with impressive vocals, and subtle expressions which support the hard and stubborn personality of her character. Ryan K. Bailer superbly portrays Juan Perόn, military man and President of Argentina; his pleasing voice and physical command of the stage combining for a winning performance.
Matthew Malecki Martinez’s wonderful voice rings out as the tango and milonga singer Agustin Magaldi. The Mistress is played by Amanda Rose Gross who is a pleasure to listen to as her sweet, clear voice soars over the audience with palpable emotion. Pablo Torres is perfect as Che and practically steals the show. He is our guide through the musical who is part narrator, part character and part truth revealer to Eva’s duplicity and propaganda. Che’s all-knowing cynicism flows effortlessly from Torres with languid movement, killer facial expressions, fantastic vocals, and what can only be described as a full body eye roll.
The production itself was also incredibly well done. The entire ensemble is fantastic and deserves aplomb. Director/Choreographer Keith Andrews, and Associate Director/Choreographer Andres Acosta did a fabulous job. The staging is excellent, and the dancing on point. Music Director Andrew Haile Austin and the band produced striking results from a challenging score. Incredible costumes from designer Janine Loesch were time-period appropriate and added great color and flavor to the production. A clever scene of political musical chairs demonstrated Juan Perόn’s rise to power, while moving set pieces and onstage costume changes deftly progressed the action.
A fascinating glimpse in to a short, but charismatic life. Evita is a powerful show from the haunting opening to the poignant finale.
Running Time: Approximately 2 ½ hours with one 15 minute intermission.
Advisory: Adult themes, scenes and language throughout.
Evita is playing at Gateway Playhouse until May 28th, 2023. For information click here.