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{{Short description|1978 musical by Lloyd Webber and Rice}}{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}{{EngvarB|date=July 2019}}









!1976!1978!1979!2006!2012!2014!colspan=2|2017! scope=“row“| Eva Perón! scope=“row“| Che! scope=“row“| Juan Perón! scope=“row“| Agustin Magaldi! scope=“row“| Perón’s Mistress

factoids
name	Evita|image= Evita 1978 Prince Edward Theatre.jpg|caption= Programme from the original West End Production at the Prince Edward Theatre|music= Andrew Lloyd Webber|lyrics= Tim Rice|book= Tim Rice|basis= The life of Eva Perón| premiere_date = June 21, 1978| premiere_location = Prince Edward Theatre, London	Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical Tony Award for Best Musical Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical Tony Award for Best Original Score {edih}}}Evita is a musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. It concentrates on the life of Argentine political leader Eva Perón, the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón. The story follows Evita’s early life, rise to power, charity work, and death.The musical began as a rock opera concept album released in 1976. Its success led to productions in London’s West End in 1978, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical, and on Broadway a year later, where it was the first British musical to receive the Tony Award for Best Musical.This has been followed by a string of professional tours and worldwide productions and numerous cast albums, as well as a 1996 film adaptation. The musical was revived in London in 2006, and on Broadway in 2012, and toured the UK again in 2013–14 before running for 55 West End performances at the Dominion Theatre in September–October 2014.{{TOC limit|2}} Synopsis File:Abigail Jaye as Evita.jpg|thumb|Abigail Jaye as Evita (Gaiety Theatre, DublinGaiety Theatre, DublinAct IOn 26 July 1952, a crowd in a Buenos Aires, Argentina theatre is watching a movie (“A Cinema in Buenos Aires, 26 July 1952“) that is interrupted when news breaks of the death of First Lady Eva Perón. Both the crowd and the nation go into a period of public mourning (“Requiem for Evita“) as Che, a member of the public, marvels at the spectacle and promises to show how Eva did “nothing for years” (“Oh What a Circus“).In 1934, 15-year-old Eva Duarte lives in the city of Junín, and longs to seek a better life in Buenos Aires. Eva takes up with a tango singer-songwriter, Agustín Magaldi, after she meets him at one of his shows (“On This Night of a Thousand Stars“). Eva persuades Magaldi to take her with him to Buenos Aires, and though he is initially resistant, he eventually accepts (“Eva, Beware of the City“). Upon her arrival in the city, Eva sings about her hopes and ambitions of glory as an actress (“Buenos Aires“).After her arrival, Eva is quick to leave Magaldi, and Che relates how Eva sleeps her way up the social ladder, becoming a model, radio star, and actress (“Goodnight and Thank You“). He then tells of both a right-wing coup in 1943 and Eva’s success, implying that Argentine politics and Eva’s career may soon coincide. Che also makes a point to introduce the figure of Colonel Juan Domingo Perón, an ambitious military colonel who was making his way up the Argentine political ladder (“The Lady’s Got Potential“). In a game of musical chairs that represents the rise of political figures, Perón and other military figures compete for power and exhibit their political strategy (“The Art of the Possible“).After a massive earthquake hits the town of San Juan, Perón organizes a charity concert at Luna Park to provide aid to the earthquake’s victims. Eva attends and briefly reunites with Agustín Magaldi, who coldly shuns her for her past actions. Perón addresses the crowd with words of encouragement and leaps off the stage, meeting Eva as soon as he exits (“Charity Concert“). Eva and Perón share a secret rendezvous following the charity concert, where Eva hints that she could help Perón rise to power (“I’d Be Surprisingly Good For You“). Eva dismisses Perón’s Mistress (the character is known only by that title), who ponders the rejection (“Another Suitcase in Another Hall“).Upon moving in with Perón, Eva is introduced to high society only to be met with disdain from the upper classes and the Argentine Army (“Perón’s Latest Flame“). In 1946, after launching his presidential bid, Perón discusses his chances of winning the election with Eva. After reassuring him of their chances of winning, Eva organizes rallies for the descamisados and gives them hope for a better future while Perón and his allies plot to dispose of anyone who stands in their way (“A New Argentina“).During the period between Act I and Act II, Eva and Perón are married – a fact merely alluded to, in the “Casa Rosada balcony” scene, at the start of Act II.Act IIPerón is elected President in a sweeping victory in 1946. He stands “On The Balcony of the Casa Rosada” addressing his descamisados (shirtless ones). Eva speaks from the balcony of the Presidential Palace to her adoring supporters, where she reveals that despite her initial goal of achieving fame and glory, she has found her true calling to be the people of her country (“Don’t Cry for Me Argentina“). Che analyses the price of fame as Eva dances at the Inaugural Ball with Perón, now the president-elect (“High Flying, Adored“).Eva insists on a glamorous image to impress the people of Argentina and promote Peronism. She prepares to tour Europe as she is dressed for success by her fashion consultants (“Rainbow High“). Her famous 1946 tour meets with mixed results (“Rainbow Tour“); Spaniards adore her, but the Italians liken her husband to Benito Mussolini. France is impressed, and the British snub her by inviting her to a country estate, rather than Buckingham Palace. Eva affirms her disdain for the upper class, while Che asks her to start helping those in need as she made a promise (“The Actress Hasn’t Learned the Lines (You’d Like to Hear)“). Eva begins the Eva Perón Foundation to direct her charity work. Che describes Eva’s controversial charitable work and possible money laundering (“And the Money Kept Rolling In (And Out)“).Eva appears at a church to take the sacrament in front of her adoring supporters (“Santa Evita“), but passes out suddenly, and while unconscious, appears to have a dream that reflects upon the conflicting views of her life. In her dream, she and Che heatedly debate her actions; Che accuses Eva of using the Argentine people for her own ends, while Eva cynically replies that there is no glory in trying to solve the world’s problems from the sidelines (“Waltz for Eva and Che“). At the end of the argument, Eva finally admits to herself and Che that she is dying and can’t go on for much longer. Che points out the disastrous results of Perón’s policies on Argentina: its treasury is bankrupt, its once-thriving beef industry is under rationing, and the press and other critics of the regime are muzzled.Perón’s generals finally get sick of Eva’s meddling and demand that Perón force her to leave politics. However, Perón objects and claims that if it weren’t for her, they would never have achieved as much as they have (“She Is a Diamond“). But he also concedes that she won’t be able to keep working for long as she will soon succumb to her cancer. Even so, Eva is determined to run for Vice President, and Perón fears that the military will stage a coup if she runs and that Eva’s health is too delicate for any stressful work, but Eva insists that she can continue, despite her failing health (“Dice Are Rolling/Eva’s Sonnet“).Realizing she is about to die, Eva renounces her pursuit of the vice presidency and swears her eternal love to the people of Argentina (“Eva’s Final Broadcast“). Eva’s numerous achievements flash before her eyes before she dies (“Montage“), and she asks for forgiveness, contemplating her choice of fame instead of long reign (“Lament“). Evita dies, and embalmers preserve her body forever. Che notes a monument was set to be built for Evita but says “only the pedestal was completed, and Evita’s body disappeared for 17 years.” Character roles Eva Perón (mezzo-soprano): Lead. Playing age 15–33 Che (tenor): Lead. Playing age 21–35WEB,www.stlmag.com/arts/A-Conversation-with-Actor-Josh-Young-Evitas-Che/, A Conversation with Actor Josh Young, Evita’s Che (But This Time, Not Guevera), St. Louis Magazine, 7 October 2013, WEB,onmilwaukee.com/ent/articles/joshyoungevita.html, OnMilwaukee.com Arts & Entertainment: Chatting with Che: An interview with ‘Evita’ star Josh Young, OnMilwaukee.com, 2 February 2014, WEB,www.playbill.com/news/article/in-upcoming-revival-of-evita-che-will-be-the-everyman-not-che-guevara-187373, In Upcoming Revival of Evita, Che Will Be The “Everyman,” Not Che Guevara, Playbill, 10 February 2012, NEWS,opinion.inquirer.net/28635/che-guevara-in-%E2%80%98evita%E2%80%99-a-great-historical-error, Che Guevara in ‘Evita’ a great historical error, 13 May 2012, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2 May 2020, Facundo, Mela, Juan Perón (baritone): Lead. Playing age 40–65 Agustin Magaldi (tenor): Supporting. Playing age 23–35 Perón’s Mistress (mezzo-soprano): Supporting. Playing age 16 Chorus (men, women and children of Argentina) Notable casts{| class“wikitable” width“100%” ! rowspan=2|Role! Concept Album! West End! Broadway! First West End revival! Broadway revival! Second West End revival! Third West End revival! International tour
Julie Covington	Elaine Paige	Patti LuPone	Elena Roger	Madalena Alberto	Emma Hatton	Emma Kingston
Colm Wilkinson	David Essex	Mandy Patinkin	Matt Rawle	Ricky Martin	Marti Pellow	Gian Marco Schiaretti	Jonathan RoxmouthRamin Karimloo(Japan only)
Paul Jones	Joss Ackland	Bob Gunton	Philip Quast	Michael Cerveris	Matthew Cammelle	Kevin Stephen-Jones	Robert Finlayson
Tony Christie	Mark Ryan	Mark Syers	Gary Milner	Max von Essen	Ben Forster	Oscar Balmaseda	Anton Luitingh
Barbara Dickson	Siobhán McCarthy	Jane Ohringer	Lorna Want	Rachel Potter	Sarah McNicholas	Sarah O’Connor	Isabella Jane

Notable replacements

West End (1978-99)

• Eva Perón: Marti Webb, Stephanie Lawrence, Siobhán McCarthy, Kathryn Evans
• Che: Gary Bond, Mark Ryan, Martin Smith
• Juan Perón: Oz Clarke, Daniel Benzali
• Agustín Magaldi: David Burt

Broadway (1979–83)

• Eva Perón: Loni Ackerman, Nancy Opel
• Che: Anthony Crivello
• Juan Perón: David Cryer

Broadway (2012–13)

• Che: Max von Essen
• Juan Perón: Bradley Dean (u/s), John Cudia (u/s), Brad Little (u/s)
• Agustín Magaldi: Bradley Dean (u/s)

Musical numbers

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Act 1

• “A Cinema in Buenos Aires, 26 July 1952” – Crowd°
• “Requiem for Evita” – Chorus
• “Oh What a Circus” – Che and Crowd
• “On This Night of a Thousand Stars” – Magaldi
• “Eva and Magaldi” / “Eva, Beware of the City” – Eva, Magaldi, Che and Evita’s Family
• “Buenos Aires” – Eva, Che and Crowd
• “Goodnight and Thank You” – Che, Eva, Magaldi and Lovers
• “The Lady’s Got Potential” – Che
• “The Art of the Possible” – Perón, Generals and Eva
• “Charity Concert” – Perón, Che, Magaldi and Eva
• “I’d Be Surprisingly Good for You” – Eva and Perón
• “Hello and Goodbye” – Eva
• “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” – Perón’s Mistress and Men’s Chorus
• “Peron’s Latest Flame” – Che, Aristocrats, Soldiers and Eva
• “A New Argentina” – Eva, Che, Perón and Crowd

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Act 2

• Entr’acte
• “On the Balcony of the Casa Rosada” – Perón, Che and Crowd
• “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” – Eva
• “High Flying, Adored” – Che and Eva
• “Rainbow High” – Eva and Dressers
• “Rainbow Tour” – Perón, Advisers and Che
• “The Actress Hasn’t Learned the Lines (You’d Like to Hear)” – Eva, Aristocrats and Che
• “And the Money Kept Rolling In (And Out)” – Che and Crowd
• “Santa Evita” – Children and Chorus
• “Waltz for Eva and Che” – Eva and Che
• “You Must Love Me” – Eva
• “Peron’s Latest Flame Playoff” – Soldiers
• “She Is a Diamond” – Perón
• “Dice Are Rolling” / “Eva’s Sonnet” – Perón and Eva
• “Eva’s Final Broadcast” – Eva and Che
• “Montage” – Eva, Che, Perón, Magaldi and Chorus
• “Lament” – Eva, Embalmers and Che

{{col-end}}Notes

• This song is usually cut from most of the productions and replaced with “The Art of the Possible,” but a modified version has appeared in a number of stagings. It was revived by Alan Parker for the film, with modified lyrics by Tim Rice to remove the insecticide sub-plot.
• These two songs are often credited as just “She is a Diamond”.
• °This was replaced by “Junin, 26 July 1952” for the Japanese productions, London and Broadway revivals.
• “You Must Love Me”, written for the 1996 film, was added to the 2006 London production and several other post-film productions; its placement varies from right after “Waltz for Eva and Che” to right before “Eva’s Final Broadcast.”
• See Evita for the song list from the 1976 concept album.

History

(File:New York bus, 1982.png|thumb|left|A bus in New York featuring an Evita advertisement in 1982.)In 1972, Robert Stigwood proposed that Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice develop a new musical version of Peter Pan, but abandoned the project.Travelling late to a meal one night in 1973, though, Rice heard the end of a radio show about Eva Perón which intrigued him. As a child stamp collector, he had been fascinated by her image on the Argentine stamps, but was unaware of her significance in Argentina’s history. He began research and was introduced by a Cinema International Corporation executive to the Argentine film director Carlos Pasini Hansen who had produced the TV film Queen of Hearts, which had aired in the UK on 24 October 1972.NEWS,books.google.com/books?id=kDydDwAAQBAJ&dq=tim+rice+named+daughter+eva&pg=PA378, Is This The Right Material, Girl?, Allen, Richard, 2019, Oxford University Press, 978-0-19-005154-9, The executive also arranged for Rice to see the film at Thames Television which he did “at least twenty times” saying also that “by that time I had seen Pasini’s superbly researched film, I was hooked.“Citron, pp.192–193 The more Rice investigated Eva Perón, going so far as to travel to Buenos Aires to research her life with many documents and contacts that Pasini had supplied, the more fascinated he became by the woman; he even named his first daughter after her.Rice suggested the idea of a musical based on the subject to Lloyd Webber, but although the idea of writing a score including tangos, paso dobles, and similar Latin flavours intrigued him, Lloyd Webber ultimately rejected the idea. He decided instead to collaborate with Alan Ayckbourn on Jeeves, a traditional Rodgers and Hart-style musical based on the P. G. Wodehouse character, which proved to be a critical and commercial failure.Citron, pp.191–97 After Jeeves, Lloyd Webber returned to Rice, and they began developing Rice’s proposed musical.The authors of the 1996 book Evita: The Real Life of Eva Perón claim the musical was based on Mary Main’s biography The Woman with the Whip, which was extremely critical of Eva Perón.Fraser and Navarro, p. 199 Rice created Che to serve as both narrator and represent the voice of the lower, working class, providing insight and criticism to Eva’s character. When Harold Prince later became involved with the project, he insisted that the actors portraying Che should use Che Guevara as a role model.Citron, p. 223 In the 1996 film adaptation, the character returned to his more anonymous roots. This was also the case for the 2006 London revival.Programme notes, 2006 London productionLloyd Webber and the conductor Anthony Bowles presented the musical at the second Sydmonton Fest before making the recording with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.Citron, p. 229

Recording

As they had previously done with Jesus Christ Superstar, the songwriting team decided to record Evita as an album musical and selected actress and singer Julie Covington to sing the title role, after having caught an episode of Rock Follies and remembered her from the original London production of Godspell. The recording, which was released by MCA Records who had previously marketed Jesus Christ Superstar, commenced in April 1976 and was produced by Lloyd Webber and Rice. The recording was engineered by David Hamilton Smith, whose work Rice later acknowledged was effectively that of a third producer. He also delivered the line, “Statesmanship is more than entertaining peasants,” a rebuttal to Eva’s balcony speech on the album.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}Released in 1976, the two-record set included Paul Jones as Juan Perón, Colm Wilkinson as Che, Barbara Dickson as Perón’s mistress, and Tony Christie as Agustín Magaldi. The writers had originally considered Steve Marriott and John Fogerty but neither was interested. Murray Head, who had enormous success with the Superstar album, recorded some demos but Rice later admitted they “didn’t really reproduce the magic that his portrayal of Judas had.” Colm Wilkinson had recently played Judas in the London production of Superstar and agreed to audition: “It only took a couple of verses to know he was our man.“{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}Mike d’Abo, who had succeeded Paul Jones as lead singer of Manfred Mann, had a minor role on the album which was notable as the first one which both had appeared. Mike Smith, former lead vocalist with the Dave Clark Five and d’Abo’s then working partner, also appeared.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}Pasini wrote the dialogue in Spanish of the first scene, “A Cinema in Buenos Aires, 26 July 1952”. On this recording, he played the part of the actor in the soundtrack of a movie that grinds to a halt and also read the official communique of Eva’s death. When the album was presented to the press at Lloyd Webber’s country home Sydmonton, Pasini organised a photographic presentation with his colleague Anton Furst to accompany it. His contribution to the development of the project was recognised as Rice and Lloyd Webber acknowledged him first in a thank you speech afterwards.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}In Britain, Australia, South Africa, South America, and various parts of Europe, sales of the concept album exceeded those of Jesus Christ Superstar; in the United States, however, it never achieved the same level of success. Covington’s recording of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” (originally titled “It’s Only Your Lover Returning“)Citron, p. 226 was released in October 1976. It reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and enjoyed similar success internationally. Dickson’s “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” also became a hit. In the US and UK, respectively, Karen Carpenter, Olivia Newton-John, and Petula Clark released cover versions of “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina”.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}

Musical analysis

The musical employs an eclectic range of styles. Classical music in Evita includes the opening choral piece (“Requiem for Evita“) and a choral interlude in “Oh What a Circus”, as well as instrumental passages throughout the musical such as the orchestral version of the “Lament” and the introduction to “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”. Rhythmic Latinate styles are heard in pieces such as “Buenos Aires”, “And the Money Kept Rolling in (And Out)” and “On This Night of a Thousand Stars”, while ballads include “High Flying, Adored” and “Another Suitcase in Another Hall”. Rock music includes “Oh What a Circus”, “Perón’s Latest Flame”, and a song cut from the original production called “The Lady’s Got Potential”. The song was reinstated for the 1996 film with revised lyrics by Rice, and has also been used in Japanese,“Japanese version, 1982, Recorded live at the Nissei Theater” CastAlbums.org, accessed 26 August 2011 Czech,“Czech version, 1998” CastAlbums.org, accessed 26 August 2011 and Danish“Danish version, 2001” CastAlbums.org, accessed 26 August 2011 stage productions to expand on Argentine history for audiences less familiar with the subject.

Historical accuracy

Tomas Eloy Martinez noted:The lyrics and storyline of the musical are influenced on Mary Main’s biography, (The Woman with the Whip|Evita: The Woman with the Whip), which drew heavily upon the accounts of anti-Perónist Argentines. Shortly after the musical appeared, Nicholas Fraser and Marysa Navarro published a more neutral account of Eva Perón’s life, Evita: The Real Lives of Eva Perón, in which they claim that many of Main’s assertions were false, such as the suggestion that Eva had first gone to Buenos Aires as the mistress of a married musician, Agustín Magaldi. Instead, they wrote, Eva’s mother Doña Juana had taken her there when she aspired to become a radio actress. Some critics also suggested that Rice’s lyrics disparaged Evita’s achievements unnecessarily, particularly her charity work. According to Navarro and Fraser,Although [Evita] was based for the most part on the earliest and seamiest versions of Evita’s life, something happened to the tale in its retelling and the Evita who emerged each evening, dressed first as a teenager, then a hooker, and finally, in tulle and silver foil, as First Lady, was far from being unsympathetic.Fraser and Navarro, p.193Following the success of the film version of Evita, in 1996, an Argentinean film biography of Eva Perón was released, (Eva Perón: The True Story), asserting that it corrected distortions in the musical’s account.Eva Perón, 1996 Argentine film biography of Eva Perón Amazon.com, accessed 26 August 2011

Resident productions

Original West End production

When the recording was released, Lloyd Webber had sent a copy to the renowned American director Harold Prince and invited him to become involved with the eventual staging. Prince agreed, commenting, “Any opera that begins with a funeral can’t be all bad”, but he advised them that he could not take on any new commitments for the next two years.Citron, p. 230 In the meantime, Lloyd Webber and Rice reworked several elements of the show. Some songs were dropped and some shortened, while others were introduced and some lyrics rewritten. Prince eventually confirmed that he would be ready to start rehearsals in early 1978. When he began working on the project in May, he suggested few changes, other than for deleting Che’s rock number “The Lady’s Got Potential”. Prince requested a song he could stage to chart Perón’s rise to power, and Rice and Lloyd Webber responded with the musical chairs number “The Art of the Possible”, during which military officers are eliminated until only Perón remains.Citron, p. 231Evita opened at the Prince Edward Theatre on 21 June 1978 and closed on 8 February 1986, after 3,176 performances.Evita at Prince Edward Theatre thisistheatre.com, retrieved 17 March 2010. Elaine Paige played Eva with David Essex as Che, Joss Ackland as Perón, and Siobhán McCarthy as Mistress.Citron, p. 232. Paige was selected from among many hopefuls, after Julie Covington declined the role. The production was directed by Harold Prince, choreographed by Larry Fuller, and produced by Robert Stigwood. Paige was succeeded by Marti Webb, Stephanie Lawrence, Siobhán McCarthy (who had played The Mistress when the show opened), Jacquey Chappell and ultimately, Kathryn Evans with Maria Morgan.Inverne, J. “Jack Tinker: A Life in Review”, p. 21, Oberon, 1997.Webb originally played the role during Paige’s holiday and was persuaded by Prince to remain in the cast as an alternate for two shows each week to aid the transition when she took over the role. This set the precedent until the show closed, with Lawrence becoming Webb’s alternate. Michele Breeze, Paige’s original understudy never inherited the role in London but later created it for the original New Zealand production. Susannah Fellows also understudied Eva.Gary Bond replaced David Essex as Che, then Mark Ryan, who had first starred as Magaldi, later assumed the role, followed by Martin Smith and Jimmy Kean. Ackland’s replacements included John Turner, Oz Clarke and Daniel Benzali.In his review in The Sunday Times, Derek Jewell called the show “quite marvellous” and described Lloyd Webber’s “ambitious” score “an unparallelled fusion of 20th century musical experience” and Rice’s lyrics as “trenchant” and “witty”. Bernard Levin of The Times disliked it, however, calling it as an “odious artefact ... that calls itself an opera ... merely because the clichés between the songs are sung rather than spoken” and “one of the most disagreeable evenings I have ever spent in my life”.Citron, pp. 232–33.This production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and Elaine Paige won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Musical. Also receiving Olivier Award nominations were Harold Prince (Best Director) and David Essex (Best Performance in a Musical).Award-Winners-1978 “S.W.E.T Award Winners 1978”{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Olivierawards.com, accessed 21 December 2011Timothy O’Brien and Tazeena Firth collaborated on the design of the show. The set was minimal, with a scaffolded balcony running along the back and sides of the stage and images projected onto a screen above. Madame Tussauds produced a wax figurine of Eva, based on Elaine Paige, for the coffin during the funeral scene at the beginning of the show. Inspired by the murals of Diego Rivera, Prince suggested the proscenium be flanked by artwork depicting the struggles of the Argentine peasants. He jettisoned the original monochromatic costumes designed for the chorus members and dancers; instead, he had them go to charity and secondhand clothing shops to purchase costumes.Citron, pp. 231–32 The now iconic balcony scene featured Eva in a broad, diamond encrusted white dress based on one actually owned by Eva Perón which had been designed by Christian Dior addressing a crowd from the rear balcony of the stage.The Evita: Original London Cast Recording was recorded in 1978 and released by MCA Records. Some releases mistakenly refer to the concept album as the Original London Cast Recording.The original London production transferred to the Opera House in Manchester for an extended run following its closure at the Prince Edward Theatre. Kathryn Evans and Jimmy Kean played Eva and Che with Ria Jones and John Barr being their alternates.

Original Broadway production

File:Pattiluponeevita.jpg|thumb|200px|Poster for the Broadway production with Patti LuPonePatti LuPoneAfter debuting at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, with a subsequent engagement at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco,Hartgrave, Lee. “Evita! Miss Coco Peru! Terese Geneco!” Beyond Chron, 18 March 2005 the Broadway production opened at the Broadway Theatre on 25 September 1979 and closed on 26 June 1983, after 1,567 performances and 17 previews. Patti LuPone starred as Eva, with Mandy Patinkin as Che, Bob Gunton as Perón, Mark Syers as Magaldi, and Jane Ohringer as Perón’s mistress. Harold Prince directed with choreography by Larry Fuller.“’Evita’ listing, 1979–1983” InternetBroadwayDatabase.com, accessed 26 August 2011 During the run, six actresses alternated playing the title role, in addition to LuPone: Terri Klausner (matinees), Nancy Opel (matinees), Pamela Blake (matinees), Derin Altay, Loni Ackerman and Florence Lacey.Green, Stanley and Green, Kay. Broadway Musicals, Show By Show. Hal Leonard Corporation, 1996, {{ISBN|0-7935-7750-0}}, p. 254. Patinkin was replaced by James Stein and later by Anthony Crivello. New York Times critic Frank Rich stated: “Loni Ackerman, the current Eva Perón, has no discernible Latin blood, but she sings the role better than any of the American Evitas, as well as acting and dancing it with nonstop energy. Anthony Crivello, a performer new to me, is easily the best Che I’ve seen in New York or London: not only does he have a supple voice, but he also moves with such grace that he lightens the heavy, moralizing tone his character must bear. He’s so effective, in fact, that he almost convinces you that there’s a sound reason for Che Guevara to be dragged into the Peron saga.“Rich, Frank. “In the Arts. Critics Choice” New York Times, 17 October 1982 Tom Carter understudied Patinkin and performed as Che.LuPone has stated about her time in the show: ”Evita was the worst experience of my life,’ she said. ‘I was screaming my way through a part that could only have been written by a man who hates women. And I had no support from the producers, who wanted a star performance onstage but treated me as an unknown backstage. It was like Beirut, and I fought like a banshee.’“Green, Jesse. “Let Her Entertain You. Please” The New York Times, 8 July 2007Elaine Paige was originally told she would re-create her role in the Broadway production, however the Actors’ Equity Association refused permission for a non-American. Prince attempted to persuade the organisation for a second time when LuPone was suffering vocal problems before the production reached New York. LuPone stated in her memoir that this was nothing more than a rumour started by Prince himself to build publicity. She, however, had her own doubts about that being true.

Original Australian production

The original Australian production opened at the Adelaide Festival Theatre on 30 April 1980. It featured Jennifer Murphy as Eva, John O’May as Che, Peter Carroll as Perón, Tony Alvarez as Magaldi, and Laura Mitchell as Perón’s mistress.NEWS,nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51585301, Jennifer Murphy faces the biggest test of her career, The Australian Women’s Weekly, 47, 48, Australia, 30 April 1980, 24 September 2017, 6, National Library of Australia, NEWS,nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125652836, ‘Evita’ unforgettable, The Canberra Times, 55, 16,579, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 16 February 1981, 24 September 2017, 9, National Library of Australia, Patti LuPone took over the title role in mid-1981 during its Sydney run after Murphy left the production.NEWS,nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125632300, Star from ‘Evita’ to leave, The Canberra Times, 55, 16,659, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 7 May 1981, 24 September 2017, 3, National Library of Australia, NEWS,nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125642768, OPERA New Evita adds to show’s impact, The Canberra Times, 55, 16,705, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 22 June 1981, 24 September 2017, 20, National Library of Australia, LuPone’s experience in the Sydney production was a much more positive one than her time on Broadway because by that time she felt comfortable singing the score and enjoyed playing the part.WEB,www.youtube.com/watch?v=1asS7GdEO5I,ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/1asS7GdEO5I, 2021-12-12, live, Broadway legend Patti LuPone on InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse, HoustonPBS, August 6, 2020, {{cbignore}}

Original Madrid production

The first Spanish language version premiered at the Teatro Monumental in Madrid on 23 December 1980, directed by Jaime Azpilicueta and with Paloma San Basilio as Eva, Patxi Andión as Che, Julio Catania as Perón, Tony Landa as Magaldi and Montserrat Vega as Perón’s mistress. A double album recorded by the original cast was released and the song “No llores por mí Argentina” became a hit single. This production later played in Barcelona and in other cities in Latin America.WEB,www.geocities.ws/evitainternational/prod/1980_mad.html, Evita Madrid 1980, Evita International,

Original Mexican production

In Mexico City the show premiered at the Teatro Ferrocarrilero on 26 June 1981, with Valeria Lynch and Rocío Banquells alternating as Eva, Jaime Garza and Javier Díaz Dueñas alternating as Che, Jorge Pais as Perón, César Millán as Magaldi and Carmen Delgado as Perón’s mistress.WEB,www.geocities.ws/evitainternational/prod/1981_mex.html, Evita Mexico 1981, Evita International,

Original Brazilian production

Directed by Maurício Shermann and starring Cláudia as Evita, Mauro Mendonça as Péron, Carlos Augusto Strazzer as Che, Sílvia Massari as Perón’s mistress, and Hildon Prado as Magaldi, it premiered at Teatro João Caetano in Rio de Janeiro on 12 January 1983. It later moved to Teatro Palace in São Paulo in 1986. It opened to great success in Brazil, with the Brazilian singer Cláudia being considered by some critics as the best Evita of all the time. English producers Robert Stigwood and David Land, after watching the Brazilian production, said that Cláudia was the best Evita of all the singers who had played the role.WEB,www.esquinamusical.com.br/entrevista-o-poder-do-talento-e-do-temperamento-de-claudya/, Interview: The Power of the Talent and Temperament of Claudya, Esquina Musical, 6 August 2014,

2006 London revival

On 2 June 2006, the first major London production of Evita since the original had closed 20 years earlier opened in the West End at the Adelphi Theatre. Directed by Michael Grandage, Argentine actress Elena Roger debuted as Eva, while Philip Quast appeared as Perón with Matt Rawle as Che.“Cast list, 2006” {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222214942www.reallyuseful.com/shows/evita/shows-archive/evita-cast-lists/adelphi-theatre-1996 |date=22 February 2010 }}, ReallyUseful.com, retrieved 24 February 2010. Its libretto included “You Must Love Me”, written for the 1996 film, but which had not yet been included in an English-language stage production. The production opened to very positive reviews, but ticket sales were slow, which resulted in its closure on 26 May 2007 after a run of less than a year.NEWS,officiallondontheatre.com/news/joseph-hangs-dreamcoat-at-adelphi-in-july-71815/, Joseph hangs Dreamcoat at Adelphi in July, 4 April 2007, OfficialLondonTheatre.com, 31 October 2017,www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/display?contentId=93524," title="web.archive.org/web/20070927202112www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/display?contentId=93524,">web.archive.org/web/20070927202112www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/display?contentId=93524, 27 September 2007, . Quast and Roger were nominated for Olivier Awards for their performances.

2010 Stratford Shakespeare Festival

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival produced Evita as its first rock musical from 28 to 6 May November 2010. The principal characters are played by Chilina Kennedy (Eva), Juan Chioran (Juan), and Josh Young (Che), with direction by Gary Griffin.“’Evita’ listing, 2010” {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902062525www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=6044&prodid=31474 |date= 2 September 2010 }} StratfordFestival.ca, accessed 5 January 2011Bey, Mardam Kindah. “Review, ‘Evita’, Stratford Shakespeare Festival” {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715114714www.pressplus1.com/stage-reviews/evita-stratford-shakespeare-festival.html |date=15 July 2011 }} PressPlus1.com, 11 June 2010

2011 Second Brazilian production

A second Brazilian production directed by Jorge Takla premiered at Teatro Alfa in March 2011, with Paula Capovilla as Evita, Daniel Boaventura as Perón and Fred Silveira as Che.

2012 Broadway revival

A Broadway revival of the show, based upon the 2006 West End production, ran at the Marquis Theatre, with Elena Roger in the title role, Ricky Martin as Che, Michael Cerveris as Perón, Max von Essen as Magaldi (he is also Ricky Martin’s understudy) and Rachel Potter as Mistress. Christina DeCicco alternated with Roger as Eva. Michael Grandage again directed the production with choreography by Rob Ashford, set and costume design by Christopher Oram and lighting design by Neil Austin. ThItas produced by Hal Luftig and Scott Sanders. Previews began on 12 March 2012 with the official opening on 5 April 2012.Gans, Andrew.“Elena Roger and Ricky Martin Begin a Waltz for Eva and Che in Broadway Revival of ‘Evita’ March 12” {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114125900www.playbill.com/news/article/160558-Elena-Roger-and-Ricky-Martin-Begin-a-Waltz-for-Eva-and-Che-in-Broadway-Revival-of-Evita-March-12 |date=14 January 2014 }} Playbill.com, 12 March 2012 The production was nominated for three Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival. It closed on 26 January 2013 after 337 performances and 26 previews.Jones, Kenneth.“Requiem! Broadway’s Evita Will Close Jan. 26; Tour Will Launch in RI” {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213123910www.playbill.com/news/article/173118-Requiem-Broadways-Evita-Will-Close-Jan-26-Tour-Will-Launch-in-RI |date=13 December 2012 }} Playbill.com, 11 December 2012Gans, Andrew.“Goodnight and Thank You: Broadway Revival of Evita Ends Run Jan 26” {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127133026www.playbill.com/news/article/174378-Goodnight-and-Thank-You-Broadway-Revival-of-Evita-Ends-Run-Jan-26 |date=27 January 2013 }} Playbill.com, 26 January 2013

2013/2014 Italian production

The first Italian production premiered in Sanremo (IM) 5 December 2013, directed by Susanna Tagliapietra, with Italian lyrics by Marco Savatteri. The original cast included Simona Angioloni as Eva Duarte, Edoardo Pallanca as Che, Agostino Marafioti as Juan Perón, Matteo Merli as Magaldi, Diletta Mangolini as Mistress, replaced by Simona Marrocco in the touring production.evitailmusical.it

Further productions

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre presented the musical (directed by Jamie Lloyd) from 2 August – 21 September 2019.WEB, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s 2019 Season Announced,openairtheatre.com/blog/2019seasonannounced/, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, 27 November 2018, New York City Center also presented the musical in 2019, directed by Sammi Cannold) from 13 – 24 November 2019.WEB, Read the Reviews for Evita at New York City Center,playbill.com/article/read-the-reviews-for-evita-at-new-york-city-center, The musical opened to mixed reviews, and featured two actresses in the role of Eva. Maia Reficco as young Eva from 15–20, and Solea Pfeiffer from 20–33.Cannold again directed the musical at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts from May-July 2023 with Shereen Pimentel in the title role.An all-star West End concert was performed at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in July and August 2023, directed by Bill Deamer, starring Auli’i Cravalho as Eva, alongside Matt Rawle reprising his role of Che from the first West End revival and Jeremy Secomb reprising his role of Juan from the 2017 Europe tour. The concert featured a 30-piece orchestra and was produced by Fourth Wall Live and the London Musical Theatre Orchestra.

Touring productions

There have been numerous US and international touring productions of the show:

Early 1980s US national tours

The 1980–1983 1st US national tour opened at the Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles and starred Loni Ackerman as Eva, Scott Holmes as Che, Jon Cypher as Juan Perón, Sal Mistretta as Magaldi and Cynthia Hunt as Perón’s Mistress. The 1979-1983 2nd US national tour opened at the Shubert Theatre in Chicago and subsequently toured to major U.S. cities starring Valerie Perri as Eva, John Herrera as Che, Robb Alton as Juan Perón, Peter Marinos as Magaldi and Cynthia Simpson as Perón’s Mistress. The 2nd National went on to finish touring Scandinavia. The 1984 3rd US National Tour opened at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit and starred Florence Lacey as Eva, Tim Bowman as Che, John Leslie Wolfe as Juan Perón, Vincent Pirillo as Magaldi and Patricia Ludd as Perón’s Mistress. In the 1983 and 1986 US tours, Florence Lacey played Eva.Christon, Lawrence. “Five Years Later, Lacey Ponders Life After ‘Evita’” Los Angeles Times, 8 May 1986

1987 UK and Irish Tour

Rebecca Storm played Eva with Chris Corcoran as Che.

1988 European Tour

Rebecca (Becky) Norman played Eva with James Sbano as Che and David Wasson as Perón with performances in Italy, Holland and Germany.

1989 World Tour

Florence Lacey starred once more with James Sbano as Che and Robert Alton as Perón.

1994 US Tour

A touring production was mounted in anticipation of the film version which lasted over a year and featured several actresses in the title role, including future Tony nominee Marla Schaffel. It was directed and choreographed by Larry Fuller and featured Daniel C. Cooney as Che.Harvey, Alec. “This Touring Evita Boasts Top-Notch Troupe”, Birmingham News (Alabama), 23 January 1994, p. 101.

1995–1996 UK Tour

Paul Nicholas and David Ian, with the original producers Robert Stigwood and David Land, mounted a version closely based on the original London production starring Marti Webb, one of the first performers to play Eva, with Chris Corcoran as Che, Duncan Smith as Perón, Leo Andrew as Magaldi and Poppy Tierney as the mistress. Despite some criticism over the casting of Webb at the age of 50, the success of the tour led to extensions throughout 1996.“Musical Fans Snap Up Seats For Evita” (Darlington Civic Theatre, May 1996), The Northern Echo, 30 November 1995.Bruce, Keith. “Evita, Playhouse, Edinburgh”, The Herald (Glasgow), 27 April 1995, p. 17.Coveney, Michael. “Evita: If you can’t wait for the film, a big national tour of classic 1978 Rice/Lloyd Webber musical, led by Marti Webb”, The Observer, 19 March 1995, p. 14.

1998 US 20th Anniversary Tour

A tour, based on the original Broadway production, which was originally scheduled to play on Broadway in the 1999–2000 season started in Detroit on 3 November 1998 and closed in Boston, Massachusetts, in the summer of 1999.Ehren, Christine and Simonson, Robert. “Bway-Bound Evita Tour Stops at the Ohio in Columbus March 23–28” {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019130258www.playbill.com/news/article/44382-Bway-Bound-Evita-Tour-Stops-at-the-Ohio-in-Columbus-March-23-28 |date=19 October 2012 }} Playbill.com, 23 March 1999 It starred Natalie Toro as Eva, with Raul Esparza as Che and Raymond Jaramillo McLeod as Juan Perón.“Tour listing” Broadwayworld.com, accessed 6 March 2009. This production focused more on Latin themes.”Evita tour listing” {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306113738www.timrice.co.uk/evitat.html |date=6 March 2008 }} TimRice.com, accessed 6 March 2009. According to Playbill, “The Latin casting is part of an effort to instill this production with a more culturally authentic feel.” Toro received excellent reviews, along with her leading men.

2004 US Tour

A production opened in November 2004 with Kathy Voytko and Bradley Dean, directed by Harold Prince and Larry Fuller.Jones, Kenneth. “Rainbow Tour: Kathy Voytko Is ‘Evita’ in New Prince-ly Road Company, Taking Off Nov. 2” {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114054852www.playbill.com/news/article/89361-Rainbow-Tour-Kathy-Voytko-Is-Evita-in-New-Prince-ly-Road-Company-Taking-Off-Nov-2 |date=14 January 2011 }} Playbill.com, 2 November 2004 This production closed in May 2007 but reopened later that year. It closed finally in June 2008.

2008 UK Tour

A tour, following the then recent London production, began in 2008 starring Louise Dearman and later Rachael Wooding as Eva, Seamus Cullen (a finalist in the BBC show Any Dream Will Do)Lathan, Peter. “Review-Evita at Theatre Royal, Newcastle” BritishTheatreGuide.info, circa July 2009. Retrieved 5 January 2011 as Che, Mark Heenehan as PerónHigh, Chris. “Review-’Evita’ tour, Liverpool Empire Theatre” {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615183616www.whatsonstage.com/reviews/theatre/london/E8821212063745/Evita+(tour).html |date=15 June 2011 }} WhatsOnStage.com, 29 May 2008 with James Waud as Magaldi who won the role in a competition, and Nikki Mae as Perón’s Mistress, later Carly Bowmen. The UK tour ended in late 2009 but was remounted in March 2010, touring throughout Europe until April 2011. It continued in the UK and Germany from May to September 2011 featuring Abigail Jaye as Eva, Mark Powell as Che, Mark Heenehan as Perón and Reuben Kaye as Magaldi. Earl Carpenter would later replace Heenehan.“Cast list 2011” Official Website, Bill Kenwright Ltd, accessed 28 May 2011.

2013 US Tour

A US national tour of the musical, based on the 2012 Broadway revival, began in September 2013. The cast for the tour included Caroline Bowman as Eva, Josh Young as Che, Sean McLaughlin as Perón, Christopher Johnstone as Magaldi, Krystina Alabado as Mistress and Desi Oakley as the alternate for Eva Perón.WEB,broadwayworld.com/article/Josh-Young-and-Caroline-Bowman-Set-to-Lead-EVITA-National-Tour-and-Che-and-Eva--Full-Cast-Announced-20130716, Josh Young, Caroline Bowman and Sean MacLaughlin Set to Lead EVITA National Tour- Full Cast Announced!, BWW News Desk, 16 July 2013, BroadwayWorld.com,

2013–2014 UK Tour

A tour, announced after the success of the Broadway production of the show, which was produced by Bill Kenwright. It opened on 15 May 2013 at the New Wimbledon Theatre, before dates at the Glasgow Kings Theatre, Theatre Royal Norwich, and the Wolverhampton Grand. The production starred Marti Pellow, the lead singer of the band Wet Wet Wet, as Che, Andrew C Wadsworth as Juan Perón, and Madalena Alberto as Eva Perón. The tour concluded with 55 performances at the Dominion Theatre in the West End in September and October 2014.Full cast revealed for Evita at the Dominion Theatre – bestoftheatre.co.uk“Cast | Bill Kenwright Ltd” accessed 13 January 2015 This production was directed by Bob Thompson, with choreography by Bill Deamer, and musical direction by David Steadman.

2017 UK Tour

A replica of the 2013–2014 UK Tour began touring early 2017, once again in the UK. Led by Emma Hatton, with Gian Marco Schiaretti as Che; Jeremy Secomb as Juan Perón; Oscar Balmaseda as Magaldi and Sarah O’Connor as the Mistress; this production ran through to July. In the same way the previous tour had a limited London run, this production performed a limited 91 performance run (due to the failure of The Girls) at the Phoenix Theatre from July to October 2017. Hatton reprised her role along with all her previous cast members. The tour then continued into 2018.WEB,www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/evita-west-end-summer-2017-emma-hatton_43946.html, Evita to return to the West End this summer | WhatsOnStage, 23 June 2017,

2017/2018 International Tour

A revival of the original production (as directed by Hal Prince and choreographed by Larry Fuller) toured South Africa, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, featuring a cast from South Africa and led by Emma Kingston from the UK in the title role.The Singapore season ran from 23 February 2018 to 18 March 2018 in the Marina Bay Sands Theatre. 18 young talents were selected to be cast in this Evita production. Three sets of six children alternate in ensemble roles. The young actors are: Federica Aramburu, Lilo Baier, Mika Barel, Charmaine Chan, Hindya Dickinson, Jasmine Huilian Ellis, Gabriel Frade, Sam Howie, Annabelle Jarvis, Jayden Alim Lai, Lia Marie Elaine Macdonell, Max Makatsaria, Nanako Masui, Faith Ong, Sofia Ella Poston, Sebastian Street, Damien Rocco Weber, Charisse Low Yu Xin.

2018 Australian Tour

A 2018 Australian revival of the stage musical, directed by Harold Prince, was announced on 21 August 2017, by Opera Australia, with Australian singer-songwriter, musician, musical theatre actress Tina Arena being confirmed as the lead actress. The stage tour production will begin at the Sydney Opera House, in the Joan Sutherland Theatre, with opening night on 13 September, running to 3 November 2018. The next venue on the national tour leg will be at the Arts Centre Melbourne, from 5–30 December 2018.WEB,opera.org.au/whatson/events/evita-sydney?noloc=true, Evita | Opera Australia, 14 August 2018, 14 August 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180814135217/https://opera.org.au/whatson/events/evita-sydney?noloc=true, dead, WEB,aussietheatre.com.au/news/tina-arena-confirmed-eva-peron-evita, Tina Arena confirmed as Eva Peron in Evita – News, 21 August 2017, Arena says she felt the time was right to tackle the role. “I have been approached to do this role on a couple of occasions,” Arena stated. “I never felt emotionally ready for it. I felt I had a lot of living and learning before I could get up and take on the enormity of the story and the human spirit she possessed”.WEB,www.smh.com.au/entertainment/musicals/tina-arena-to-play-evita-at-the-sydney-opera-house-20170821-gy0suf.html, Tina Arena to play Evita at the Sydney Opera House, Nathanael, Cooper, 21 August 2017, The Sydney Morning Herald, NEWS,www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/arts/tina-arena-will-help-young-stars-find-their-voices-on-the-big-stage-in-evita-musical/news-story/9edbccd1b5ae5ddd1fb33b47a1f9b143, Tina Arena to steer kids in musical, Daily Telegraph, 5 May 2018, On 7 May 2018, Opera Australia Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini, along with producers John Frost and David Ian, announced the full cast for the upcoming Australian production of Evita. With Arena announced in the lead role as Eva Perón, the remainder of the cast was announced as: Paulo Szot, Brazilian operatic baritone in the role of Juan Perón; Kurt Kansley will take on the role of the revolutionary Che. Michael Falzon will portray tango singer Agustín Magaldi, while the role of Perón’s Mistress will be played by Alexis van Maanen. Jemma Rix has been cast as the alternate Eva Perón and is currently scheduled to be appearing in the role at least once a week (the Wednesday 7:30 pm show) throughout the Sydney season, according to the Evita-Australia website.WEB,aussietheatre.com.au/news/evita-full-cast-announced, Evita full cast announced – News, 7 May 2018, WEB,evitathemusical.com.au/cast/, Evita The Musical, ACMN, Evita The Musical, On 21 July 2018, Opera Australia Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini, along with producers John Frost and David Ian, announced the 18 young performers who have been cast in the upcoming production of Evita, in season at the Sydney Opera House from September 2018. Three sets of six children will alternate in ensemble roles. The young actors are: Jack Barton, Alysiah Carlino, Julien Daher, Jacob Drew, Paige Hewlett, BeBe Liu-Brennan, Robbi Morgan, Allerah Murdock, William Oakley, Pamelia Papacosta, Benjamin Park, Sara Petrovski, Raffaella Reid, Avaleigh Rock, Amelie Rose, Austin Taylor, Oliver Trus, and Zoe Zantey.WEB,www.broadwayworld.com/sydney/article/Childrens-Cast-Announced-For-EVITA-in-Sydney-20180721, Children’s Cast Announced For EVITA in Sydney, BWW News Desk,

Film adaptation

Plans for a film directed by Ken Russell developed soon after the West End and Broadway openings. Much speculation of potential leads included Barbra Streisand or Liza Minnelli as Eva, and Barry Gibb or Elton John as Che.NEWS, Greenberg, James, Is It Time Now to Cry for ‘Evita’?, The New York Times, 19 November 1989,www.nytimes.com/1989/11/19/movies/is-it-time-now-to-cry-for-evita.html?pagewanted=all, 9 August 2009, These plans never came to fruition.Russell has said that his own first choice for the film lead was Karla DeVito, who had come to fame in rock tours and on Broadway, where she had impressed the wife of Andrew Lloyd Webber. DeVito was screen tested for the role while in England shooting music videos for her solo album “Is This A Cool World or What?” DeVito’s performance of “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina” in the screen test caused much positive buzz. Russell wrote that she brought viewers to tears (except Tim Rice – who wanted Elaine Paige, with whom he was romantically involved). Although Russell rejected the idea, Paige was screen tested twice.Russell’s biography indicates that he met with Barbra Streisand, who dismissed the role immediately. He wrote that he then suggested Liza Minnelli. A year had passed between the first screen tests and Minnelli’s, which Russell reports was amazing. Russell approached Stigwood with Minnelli’s test, convinced she had the necessary talent and star quality, but he was soon told it was going to be Elaine Paige. Having already protested that idea, Russell quit the film. Years later when he saw Karla DeVito again, Russell addressed her as “My Evita.“It was not until 1996 that Evita came to the big screen. Alan Parker directed the film, with Madonna in the title role, Antonio Banderas as Che and Jonathan Pryce as Perón. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one for Best Original Song (“You Must Love Me,” composed especially for the film). Madonna received mixed reviews but won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for her performance. The film was choreographed by Vincent Paterson.

Awards and nominations

“>

Original West End production{| class“wikitable” width“95%”

! width=“5%“| Year! width=“20%“| Award Ceremony! width=“45%“| Category! width=“20%“| Nominee! width=“10%“| Result 1978 Laurence Olivier Awards Best New Musical| {{won}}Laurence Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Musical>Best Performance in a Musical| Elaine Paige| {{won}}| Best Performance in a Musical| David Essex| {{nom}}Laurence Olivier Award for Best Director>Director of the Year| Harold Prince| {{nom}}“>

Original Broadway production{| class“wikitable” width“95%”

! width=“5%“| Year! width=“20%“| Award Ceremony! width=“45%“| Category! width=“20%“| Nominee! width=“10%“| Result 1980 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Musical| {{won}}Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics>Outstanding Lyrics| Tim Rice| {{won}}Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music>Outstanding Music| Andrew Lloyd Webber| {{won}}Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical>Outstanding Actor in a Musical| Mandy Patinkin| {{nom}}Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical>Outstanding Actress in a Musical| Patti LuPone| {{won}}Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical>Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical| Bob Gunton| {{won}}Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director of a Musical>Outstanding Director of a Musical| Harold Prince| {{won}}Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography>Outstanding ChoreographyLarry Fuller (choreographer)>Larry Fuller| {{nom}}Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Costume Design>Outstanding Costume Design| Timothy O’Brien and Tazeena Firth| {{nom}}Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lighting Design>Outstanding Lighting Design| David Hersey| {{nom}}| Outer Critics Circle Award| Best Lyricist| Tim Rice| {{won}} Tony Award Best Musical| {{won}}Tony Award for Best Original Score>Best Original Score| Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice| {{won}}Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical>Best Book of a Musical| Tim Rice| {{won}}Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical>Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical| Patti LuPone| {{won}} Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical| Bob Gunton| {{nom}}| Mandy Patinkin| {{won}}Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical>Best Direction of a Musical| Harold Prince| {{won}}Tony Award for Best Lighting Design>Best Lighting Design| David Hersey| {{won}}Tony Award for Best Scenic Design>Best Scenic Design Timothy O’Brien and Tazeena Firth| {{nom}}Tony Award for Best Costume Design>Best Costume Design| {{nom}}Tony Award for Best Choreography>Best ChoreographyLarry Fuller (choreographer)>Larry Fuller| {{nom}}“>

2006 West End revival{| class“wikitable” width“95%”

! width=“5%“| Year! width=“20%“| Award Ceremony! width=“45%“| Category! width=“20%“| Nominee! width=“10%“| Result 2007 Laurence Olivier Award Best Musical Revival| {{nom}}Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical>Best Actor in a Musical| Philip Quast| {{nom}}Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical>Best Actress in a Musical| Elena Roger| {{nom}}Laurence Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer>Best Theatre Choreographer| Rob Ashford| {{nom}}“>

2012 Broadway revival{| class“wikitable” width“95%”

! width=“5%“| Year! width=“20%“| Award! width=“45%“| Category! width=“20%“| Nominee! width=“10%“| Result 2012 Tony Award Best Revival of a Musical| {{nom}}Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical>Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical| Michael Cerveris| {{nom}}Tony Award for Best Choreography>Best Choreography| Rob Ashford| {{nom}} Drama Desk Award Outstanding Revival of a Musical| {{nom}}Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical>Outstanding Actor in a Musical| Ricky Martin| {{nom}}Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical>Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical| Michael Cerveris| {{nom}}Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography>Outstanding Choreography| Rob Ashford| {{nom}}Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lighting Design>Outstanding Lighting Design| Neil Austin| {{nom}}“>

2019 Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production{| class“wikitable” width“95%”

! width=“5%“| Year! width=“20%“| Award! width=“45%“| Category! width=“20%“| Nominee! width=“10%“| Result 2019Critics’ Circle Theatre Award>Critics’ Circle Theatre Award2020-02-11>TITLE=2019 RESULTS {{!, Critics’ Circle Theatre Awardsaccess-date=2020-12-03|language=en-GB}}Critics’ Circle Theatre Award#Best Director>Best DirectorJamie Lloyd (director)>Jamie Lloyd|{{won}}Evening Standard Theatre Awards>Evening Standard Theatre AwardPASKETT>FIRST=ZOETITLE=THE 2019 EVENING STANDARD THEATRE AWARDS WINNERS IN FULLACCESS-DATE=2021-03-30LANGUAGE=EN, Best Musical|{{won}} 20202020 Laurence Olivier AwardsOLIVIER AWARDS 2020 WITH MASTERCARD - THEATRE’S BIGGEST NIGHTACCESS-DATE=2021-03-30LANGUAGE=EN-GB, Best Musical Revival| {{nom}}Laurence Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer>Best Theatre Choreographer|Fabian Aloise| {{nom}}

Cultural impact

Evita came in sixth in a BBC Radio 2 listener poll of the UK’s “Number One Essential Musicals”.WEB,www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/paige/essentialvote.shtml, Elaine Paige – Nation’s Favourite Musicals, 2 June 2007, BBC Radio 2, One episode of The Simpsons, “The President Wore Pearls”, has a plot loosely based on the musical, with Lisa Simpson in Eva’s role. The episode includes parodies of songs such as “A Vote For A Winner” which includes the lyrics, “don’t cry for me, kids of Springfield”.{{Citation |title=Simpsons - Don’t vote for me, kids of springfield |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ0OjpUy5HM |language=en |access-date=2022-09-19}} At the end of the episode, a comical disclaimer is displayed stating, “On the advice of our lawyers, we swear we have never heard of a musical based on the life of Eva Perón”.During Glee, “Special Education”, the characters Kurt Hummel and Rachel Berry sing “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” when Kurt is auditioning for a solo in the Warblers for Sectionals. In the season three episode “Hold On to Sixteen”, a rival showchoir sings “Buenos Aires” as their competition piece.In the short “The Ballad of Magellan” in the cartoon series Animaniacs, the country of Argentina is depicted with a sign reading, “EVITA Coming Soon!”.

Recordings

(File:Evitaoriginalcastrecording.jpg|thumb|right|Cover of Original Broadway Recording)First recorded by a cast assembled specifically for the recording in 1976, the first stage cast recording of Evita was of the original London production in 1978. The original Broadway cast was recorded for an album released in 1979. Lloyd Webber and Rice produced these first three recordings.At least 25 English language cast albums have been released, along with many foreign language recordings. There are currently four in Spanish, five German, three in Japanese, and two in Hebrew, with additional recordings in Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, Hungarian, Icelandic, Korean, Portuguese, and Swedish.WEB,subtitles.o2.cz/6035/Evita.html, Evita subtitles, subtitles.o2.cz,subtitles.o2.cz/6035/Evita.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20100605035337subtitles.o2.cz/6035/Evita.html,">web.archive.org/web/20100605035337subtitles.o2.cz/6035/Evita.html, 5 June 2010, 16 May 2020, Soprano Kiri Te Kanawa recorded a complete operatic version of the score with Christopher Lee as Perón{{Citation needed|date=February 2018}}. This recording, however, has never been released{{Citation needed|reason=There is no indication that this recording exists|date=February 2018}}. Marti Webb also recorded a highlights album of sorts for the Pickwick Records label that featured Dave Willetts and Carl Wayne. It was released to coincide with the 1995 UK Tour of the show in which Webb starred.

English cast albums{| class“wikitable”

!Album!Year of Release!Country!Type!Principals!NotesEvita: An opera based on the life story of Eva Perón 1919 – 1952)|1976|UK|Complete

• Peaked at number 6 in Australia in 1977.|
• Julie Covington
• Colm Wilkinson
• Paul Jones
• Barbara Dickson|Cast assembled for studio recording; CD releases often mislabeled as the London Cast Recording

|Evita: Original London Cast Recording|1978|UK|Highlights|

• Elaine Paige
• David Essex
• Joss Ackland
• Siobhan McCarthy|Recording of the original London production
• Peaked at number 81 in Australia in 1980.BOOK, Kent, David, David Kent (historian), Australian Chart Book 1970–1992, illustrated, Australian Chart Book, St Ives, N.S.W., 1993, 0-646-11917-6, 282, |Evita: Premiere American Recording|1979|US|Complete|
• Patti LuPone
• Mandy Patinkin
• Bob Gunton|Recording of the original Broadway production|Evita: Premiere Australian Recording|1980|AUS|Highlights||Recording of the original Australian production.
• Peaked at number 33 in Australia in 1980.|Evita: Highlights of the Original Broadway Production for the World Tour 89/90|1989|US|Highlights|
• Florence Lacey
• James Sbano
• Robert Alton
• Suzan Postel|Cast of the 1989/90 World Tour(Evita (soundtrack)>Evita: The Complete Motion Picture Music Soundtrack)|1996|US|Complete|
• Madonna
• Antonio Banderas
• Jonathan Pryce|Double-CD soundtrack of the motion picture. Highlights released separately as the single-CD Evita: Music from the Motion Picture.

|Evita: 2006 London Cast Recording|2006|UK|Highlights|

• Elena Roger
• Matt Rawle
• Philip Quast|Recording of the 2006 London production|Evita: New Broadway Cast Recording|2012|US|Complete|
• Elena Roger
• Ricky Martin
• Michael Cerveris|Recording of the 2012 Broadway production

{{clear}}

Notes

{{Reflist}}

References

• Citron, Stephen, Sondheim & Lloyd-Webber: The New Musical (2001). New York: Oxford University Press. {{ISBN|0-19-509601-0}}
• Fraser, Nicholas, and Navarro, Marysa. Evita: The Real Life of Eva Perón (1996). New York: W. W. Norton & Company. {{ISBN|0-393-31575-4}}

External links

• {{IBDB show}}
• {{Discogs release||Evita}}
• www.reallyuseful.com/rug/shows/evita/" title="web.archive.org/web/20070625095022www.reallyuseful.com/rug/shows/evita/">Evita at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group
• www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Powerful-production-Evita/article-1027982-detail/article.html" title="archive.today/20130505070943www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Powerful-production-Evita/article-1027982-detail/article.html">{{“’}}Powerful’ Production of Evita{{-“}} Plymouth Herald, 27 May 2009
• Evita musical {{in lang|de}}
• {{Playbill production|/evita-broadway-theatre-vault-0000012263|Evita|– Original}} (www.playbillvault.com/Show/Detail/12263/Evita" title="web.archive.org/web/20150601102045www.playbillvault.com/Show/Detail/12263/Evita">archive)
• {{Playbill production|s/evita-marquis-theatre-vault-0000013852|Evita|– The revival}} (www.playbillvault.com/Show/Detail/13852/Evita" title="web.archive.org/web/20150530075924www.playbillvault.com/Show/Detail/13852/Evita">archive)
• evitaonbroadway.com/" title="archive.today/20130122132238evitaonbroadway.com/">Official Broadway Site
• Don’t Cry for Hartlepool Marina

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