San Diego Playbill

Evita
by Starlight Musical Theatre

Born an illegitimate, poverty-stricken child, Eva Duarte rose to become the First Lady of Argentina under the rule of her husband, Juan Peron. Due to her charisma, lower-class background, and efforts to champion the causes of the poor, she became the heart and soul of Argentina's populace. When she died of cancer at only 33 years of age, the nation was devastated with nearly a million mourners lining the streets of her funeral procession.

Thanks to lyricist Tim Rice and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, Eva's fascinating story will remain alive for future generations. Their seven-time Tony Award-winning musical Evita has been a huge hit throughout the world. Unfortunately the play focuses almost entirely on her rather scandalous rise to the top and implies that her work for the destitute was mostly just a sham and replete with hypocrisy. If it was simply a "sham," fortunately it actually did pay off with more houses, food, clothing, and hospitals for the poor. And as for the other accusations … well, nobody's perfect! :)

Despite its somewhat one-sided storyline, there are many things about Evita to love. As with all Webber plays, you've got a terrific musical score highlighted with such hits as Don't Cry for Me Argentina, Buenos Aires, A New Argentina, High Flying Adored, I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You, and Another Suitcase in Another Hall. Plus you have a nice blending of drama and comedy as Eva "works" her way to the top of Argentine society.

Leigh Scarritt put on a phenomenal performance of the title role. Whether it was powerful or tender, sarcastic or sensitive, booming or whispered, Leigh was perfect on every note in both beauty and in eliciting just the right emotion. This talented actress / choreographer / director / writer / composer is definitely one of San Diego's greatest theatrical stars.

Leigh's performance was further buttressed with a terrific supporting cast. Joshua Carr's portrayal of Che Guevara, the Eva-bashing narrator of the show, drew a rave response from the audience for his strong performance.

Ed Hollingsworth, as Juan Peron (probably best known as Eva Peron's husband!), put in a fine appearance in this, his 27th show at Starlight. This was a special show for him, being the first time he has been able to perform with his entire family (wife Marian, and children Blair, Devon, Morgan, and Trevor). Starlight has a very unique place in the Hollingsworth family. Ed and Marian met at the Starlight Bowl while picnicking on the lawn before a show. Without which, performing in a play with Blair, Devon, Morgan, and Trevor would clearly not have been possible!

What was Ed's 27th show was 15-year-old Annette Desrosier's first Starlight show and the first professional performance of her young but blossoming career. As Peron's Mistress, Annette was able to showcase her stunning vocal talents in Another Suitcase in Another Hall, which she sings after being booted out of Peron's bedroom by the social-climbing Eva. Annette has performed with Christian Youth Theater, Christian Community Theater, Granite Hills Acting Workshop, and Youth Summerstock Theatre. She was last seen earlier this summer as Lilli Vanessi/Kate in Youth Summerstock's Kiss Me Kate, and last summer as Aldonza/Dulcinea in Youth Summerstock's Man of La Mancha.

The chorus put on a few terrific dance numbers choreographed by David Brannen. Although the dancing military phalanx might have had a few synchronization difficulties, the Buenos Aires and And the Money Kept Rolling In routines were challenging, energetic, captivating, and extremely well-executed by the entire cast.

The only disappointing part of the show was the Plane Spotter ... if there was one! The show was not stopped once during the entire performance. Granted that the majority of the singing in Evita is loud enough to overcome the engine noise, there were at least four or five times when the actors were completely drowned out for a few seconds. Besides the stoppages being part of the charm of Starlight, they are also necessary in order to enjoy the music and follow the dialogue. I wish they would either pause the show, or make arrangements with Lindbergh that all air traffic be diverted to LAX! :)

Nevertheless, the performances by Leigh, Joshua, Ed, Annette, and the rest of the cast made for an especially memorable and entertaining evening. Evita, Starlight's last show of the summer, plays until September 10th.

Rob Hopper
San Diego Playbill

~ Cast ~

Evita: Leigh Scarritt
Che Guevara: Joshua Carr
Juan Peron: Ed Hollingsworth
Agustin Magaldi: David Miller
Peron's Mistress: Annette Desrosiers
~ Ensemble ~
Kelly Barnes
Shepard Berry
Brynda Brodie
Brian Bryson
David Cabinian
Michelle Cabinian
Megan Cain
Cari Cantalupi
Sam Cavanaugh
Erin Cronican
Chris Davis
C.F. Delaney
Adina Di Fede
Joe Fitzpatrick
Sidney Franklin
Lili Fuller
Joaquin Gamboa
Phil Golden
Garrick Hargrove
Blair Hollingsworth
Devon Hollingsworth
Marian Hollingsworth
Morgan Hollingsworth
Trevor Hollingsworth
Brian Imoto
Evan Knapp
Lee Lampard
Kamrie Littlefield
Sonia Madrigal
Jay Mawhinney
Kevin Morin
Annettte Nixon
Kurt Norby
Marissa Ochoa
Aaron Pomeroy
Paul Reed
Frank Remiatte
K.C. Rose
Tiffany Scarritt
Joseph Shumate
Megan Strahm
Greg Tankersley
Thom Waldman

Director/Producing Artistic Director: Brian Wells
Choreographer: David Brannen
Musical Director/Conductor: Parmer Fuller
Production Manager: Jeannette Thomas
Stage Manager: K. Aaron Blokker
Costume Designer: Kathy Auckland
Sound Designer: Steve Stopper
Lighting Designer: Eric Lotze