I think it’s safe to say Andrew Lloyd Webber hasn’t had the best few years. While facing the tragic loss of his son behind closed doors, his reputation has taken something of a beating with all the drama surrounding (Bad) Cinderella on both sides of the Atlantic, Phantom’s record breaking Broadway run coming to an end closing and the Aspects Of Love revival getting panned by critics. As autumn nears, now might be the right time for him to revisit the good old days. Maybe Evita: In Concert will be the right way to kick things off while we wait for the Sunset Boulevard revival starring Nicole Scherzinger,
As for my relationship with Evita, I of course know songs such as the ever-enduring Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, but it wasn’t until 2017 that I first saw the West End revival at the Phoenix Theatre starring Emma Hatton and Gian Marco Schiaretti. I enjoyed it back then, so I was intrigued when I heard about this concert version. Considering that I’ve already heaped praise on Fourth Wall Live’s concerts and semi-staged performances, have they made lightning strike twice?
Evita: In Concert
Cast
- Eva Peron: Auli’i Cravalho
- Che: Matt Rawle
- Juan Peron: Jeremy Secomb
- Augustin Magaldi: Nathan Amzi
- Mistress: Emily Lane
Rating: ★★★★★
What is Evita about?
Set in Argentina between 1934-1952 and narrated by everyman Che, Evita follows the titular Eva Duarte on her journey from poor illegitimate child to ambitious actress to, as wife of military leader-turned-president Juan Peron, the most powerful woman in Latin America, before her death from cancer at age 33.
What did I think of Evita: in Concert?
Some could say Evita shouldn’t work in today’s climate. After all, it’s a not entirely accurate story about a still controversial figure in Argentinian politics from a white person’s perspective and sometimes leans into sexist territory if you see it painting Eva as a woman who slept her way to the top. However, there’s some argument that it can. Eva, an early example of a villain protagonist, takes control as Evita explores the blurred lines between celebrity and politics that can corrupt people, a timely subject considering everything in the last few years. Director Bill Deamer handled the material with enough care to get both sides of Eva’s image, and this concert proves why people still love Evita decades later.
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s music is what people remember the most from Evita, and over 40 years later it’s still some of their best work. Occasionally clunky lyrics aside, the eclectic genres ranging from pop, salsa, rock and traditional theatre pop out as each character gets their own musical style. Stunningly played by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, the score was allowed to be the true star in its semi-staged setting. Featuring dynamic choreography, Tim Dealing’s colourful lighting and Rebecca Brower’s instantly recognisable costumes without being full replicas, they found the perfect way to stage an Evita concert.
What was the cast like?
We’ve seen the likes of Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone, Elena Roger, Mandy Patinkin and Ricky Martin star in Evita over the years, and I feel this new cast is on par with them. Featuring a mix of newcomers and returning alum from years past, I can’t call them anything other than perfection.
The most enticing casting for me was Auli’i Cravahlo (Moana) as Eva Peron, the first Hawaiian actress to play the role (she’s of Puerto Rican descent). Part of me was cautious as she’s younger than traditional actors at just 22, but Cravalho defied my high expectations. Carrying herself with pride and biting in her ruthlessness, she commanded the stage with such vivacity in numbers like Buenos Aires while briefly letting her vulnerability crack until she’s forced to accept her untimely death in an emotional climax. With a beautiful voice that feels stronger with each project, her take on Don’t Cry For Me Argentina felt like a fresh new version for modern audiences.
Joining Cravahlo was Matt Rawle as Che. 17 years since first playing the role, he never missed a beat in his quips and made solos Oh What A Circus and And The Money Rolled In musical highlights. Also returning was Jeremy Secomb as Juan Peron. With his and Cravahlo’s age difference similar to their real life counterparts, their dynamic was interesting. Both saw the advantages of using each other for political gain, but his stern demeanour cracked once he revealed the real affection he had for his wife as her inevitable death came closer.
Rounding up the main cast were Nathan Amzi as Agustin Magaldi who instantly made an entertaining turn in his number On This Night of a Thousand Stars. However, one star we should be talking is Emily Lane (Frozen) as the Mistress, who was phenomenal in her one job to sing Another Suitcase in Another Hall.
What are my overall thoughts?
Fourth Wall Live has done it again! Evita: In Concert brings one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best scores in his career to life with a phenomenal cast led by Auli’i Cravahlo, who continues proves she’s a true leading lady as she grows into a young woman. I had such an amazing time seeing his concert, and all I want now is a fully staged revival featuring his cast.
I’m curious to see what Fourth Wall Live does with the upcoming Love Never Dies concert…I may dive into my thoughts on this show one day, but that’s for another time.
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