Theater Review: Evita

“Evita” is a strange cat in the musical business. It began as a rock opera concept album with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice in 1976 and concentrates on the life of Argentine political leader Eva Perón, the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón.

Since then, it’s had several tours and numerous cast albums. Now it’s back and playing through October 1 at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town.  

This production, directed by Cygnet’s Artistic Director Sean Murray, features local favorite Berto Fernández as Juan Perón, but the rest of the major cast is new to this theater.

 A.J. Mendoza makes his Cygnet debut as Ché (though he is no stranger to the role), and gets a serious workout as the narrator of the story, in practically every scene.

Cygnet newbie Matthew Malecki Martinez plays Evita’s wannabe lover, tango singer-songwriter Agustín Magaldi.

Ariella Kvashny is also new to Cygnet and makes her debut as Evita, the little girl with big political ambitions.

The show jumps around in time and locale, so just sit back, relax and take it all as it comes. You’ll be much impressed by the presentation.

The story starts in 1934, when the 15-year-old Eva lives in the city of Junín but wants to seek a better life in Buenos Aires. She takes up with Agustín Magaldi after she meets him at one of his shows.

From there, Evita climbs the political ladder as quickly as she can, until she finally convinces Perón that “I’d Be Surprisingly Good For You.”

In 1946, Perón is elected president and they marry, but a few years later, Evita is taken ill and will soon die.

The cast is excellent, though I found Ariella Kvashny’s voice as Evita more grating to the ear than I’d have liked.

The show looks great, thanks to several people: Mathys Herbert’s fine dual-level scenic design; Blake McCarty’s stunning (and rapid) projection designs, and Zoë Trautmann’s excellent costumes.

The show features a lot of dancing, all terrifically choreographed by Carlos Mendoza.

And let’s not forget conductor/keyboardist Patrick Marion and his group of five fine musicians.

If you’ve never seen the show, here’s your chance. And if you have, you’ll like this production as well.

“Evita” plays through October 1, 2023 at Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs Street in Old Town.

Tickets: 619-337-1525 or boxoffice@cygnettheatre.com