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Evita by Welk Resort Theatre  Eva Peron, the mostly beloved first lady of Argentina, might
not have been immortal. But Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical about her life is,
and its most recent incarnation has now opened at the Welk Resort Theatre where
it will live until April 2, 2006. And this latest production is shaping up to be a
good one.This is Director and Choreographer Sha Newman’s debut production at the Welk, and with her credits that include a Drama-Logue Award for directing/choreographing Evita, the expectations are high. And met. Sha clearly has a masterful flair for painting dynamic visuals with her choreography and crack design team, an especially impressive achievement considering the Welk’s smallish stage for this type of musical. Stars Laura Dickinson as Eva and Danny Bolero as her outspoken detractor Che infuse passion and charisma into the show. Laura is up to the vocally demanding role, using those skills and songs to charm the pants off notable Argentines till she reaches the top with the upwardly mobile General Peron, and reaching the pinnacle of her characterization at the right moment – her beautifully done Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina balcony scene as she holds the masses in the palm of her hands. Danny Bolero is terrific throughout as the edgy, cynical Che who is disgusted by Eva’s fame and seems determined to find fault no matter what she’s doing. As Peron, Doug Bilitch is careful to stay out of Evita’s limelight as she guides him to the top, later appearing genuinely in love as his wife’s once vibrant body begins to succumb to itself. A couple of the greatest vocals come from some of the people Evita steps over on her way to the top – Carlos Mendoza as nightclub singer Magaldi who gets Eva to Buenos Aires and Peron’s Mistress (Jenn Grinels) who has one of the most beautiful and poignant numbers in the show with Another Suitcase in Another Hall. The vivacious ensemble of impressive dancers and singers add energy and sensuality through such numbers as Buenos Aires, the Rainbow Tour, And The Money Kept Rolling In, and the optimistic promise of A New Argentina.Performs through April 2, 2006.
~ Cast ~
 Eva Peron: Laura DickinsonChe: Danny Bolero Juan Peron: Doug Bilitch Magaldi: Carlos Mendoza Mistress: Jenn Grinels Eva's Mother: Joanne Juliet Lapointe Marguerita/Tango Dancer: Brenna Fleeman Mario/Tango Dancer: Vincent Zamora Ensemble: Moriah Angeline Matt Bezmarevich Rebecca Greenwood Julie Kirkpatrick Jesse Mackinnon Kurt Norby Patrick Reese Tim Roberts Katie Rustowicz Joseph Shumate Geoffrey Washburn Children's Ensemble: Sarah Nicole De La Isla Jamen Nanthakumar Sarah Oliphant Katie Sapper Adam Faison Kimberly Marron Sandy Shyu Ashley Twomey Director/Choreographer: Sha Newman Music/Vocal Director: Justin Gray Stage Manager: Jennifer Edwards-Northover Set Design: Andrew Hammer Lighting Design: Jennifer Edwards-Northover Costume Design: Ambra Wakefield |