Evita, Malvern Theatres (From Malvern Gazette)

Evita, Malvern Theatres

3:30pm Monday 18th October 2010 in Reviews

EVITA, one of Lloyd Webber’s wonderful musical shows which Malvern audiences enjoy so much, is filling the theatre this week.

The story of Eva Perons’ life is a dramatic one and she is seen as an attractive woman who ‘wows’ many gentlemen and eventually marries Juan Domingo Peron who becomes President of Argentina. Eva takes on more and more work in public politics, persuading women to struggle for their rights.

Lloyd Webber’s music captures the Brazilian rhythm of life with sultry tango dances performed with ingenious choreography, synchronized torrid exchanges between smartly dressed ladies and the Military, and songs which empathize.

Che, the Narrator was sung and acted by Mark Powell with humour or pathos as required, Magaldi, performed by Nic Gibney showed off, A Mistress, delightfully sung by Abigail Matthews together with a super chorus and children from local theatrical groups gave wonderful support to Eva who was portrayed by Abigail Jaye, vocally superb as she sang Don’t Cry for Me Argentina and who acted with great understanding of Eva’s character, ageing as we witnessed her final days of illness. Peron, characterized by Mark Heenehan was authoritative but obviously adored Eva.

Scenery was inventive, pieces levered onto the stage, balcony and stairs moved at will and lighting was brilliant especially the visually spectacular earthquake.

By Jill Hopkins