Iconic masterpiece
Eva and Juan Peron (Ali James and Mike Bonner) Evita August 2012 at Gaiety Theatre
EVITA – TimRice and Andrew LloydWebber’s brilliant stage show – is coming to the Gaiety Theatre next month, courtesy of Taylorian Productions.
The spectacular musical recently reopened in New York on Broadway for the first time in more than a quarter of a century.
And it’s proving a classic which is still packing them in.
Fresh from a fast-moving 2011 with the Wizard of Oz and The Adventures of Dick Whittington, Taylorian’s 2012 choice of summer production has more than 20 major awards to its credit, including the Oscar-winning film version starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas.
Evita brings to life the dynamic, larger-than-life persona of Eva Peron, telling her passionate and tragic story through Rice and Lloyd-Webber’s dazzling and beloved score, including Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, Another Suitcase in Another Hall and High Flying Adored, together with You Must Love Me from the movie.
Ali James, who is one of two actresses playing Eva, explained: ‘To have the opportunity to play such a wonderful and challenging role was too good to miss.
‘I hope the Isle of Man audience enjoys watching Eva’s story as much as I do portraying it.’
And Mike Bonner who plays Colonel Peron said: ‘I have enjoyed every minute of Evita, from the moment I first set foot in the audition room.
‘Peron is the most enjoyable role in which I have had the honour and good fortune to be cast.
‘Rehearsals have been great,’ he added. ‘It was a bit of a challenge learning to sword fence, but great fun.
‘I am amazed at the talent of everyone to do with this production. Working with Ali James is a breeze – she’s professional and great fun at the same time.
‘The Gaiety is becoming a bit like a second home. I can’t wait to get back.’
A tremendous piece of musical theatre, chances are the name Evita will conjure up an image of a charismatic woman, clad in a glittering white gown, singing Don’t Cry For Me Argentina from a balcony – even for those who’ve never had the opportunity to see it.
It’s an iconic moment in musical theatre history, created for the 1978 London production before transferring the following year to Broadway, where it ran for nearly four years.
Director and choreographer John Cumberlidge explained: ‘Realising that a generation of people have never experienced Evita live in the theatre, the chance for Taylorian to present such a dramatic masterpiece could not easily be passed by.
‘Evita is a seminal show that has won awards the world over.
‘From early on, it became clear we would need two outstanding actresses to perform as Eva Peron as it is one of the most demanding female roles ever written for musical theatre.
‘It was our blessing that our search brought Ali James and Suzie Ingledew to the fore and I’m sure their performances will bring Evita to life, illustrating both Eva’s formidable self belief and her drive in search for power.’
Evita – by special arrangement with the Really Useful Group and sponsored by Lloyds TSB – runs at the Gaiety from August 6 to 18. The show runs daily at 7.30pm with matinees at 2.30pm on both Saturdays. Tickets, costing £20, are available on 600555, from theWelcome Centre and Villa Marina or online at villagaiety.com
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Wednesday 22 May 2013
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