CityLife

Evita

Evita

Evita
The Lowry
September 7, 2010

The title role of Evita is one of the most coveted roles in musical theatre and Abigail Jaye savours every moment of it.

Her stunning portrayal of the people’s heroine, actress and former wife of the Argentine dictator Juan Peron, has the audience both loving and hating her but ultimately won over.

Jaye’s interpretation embodies the narrator, Che’s disparaging description of her.

We see little of the charm which seduced a nation. Her Evita is pure naked ambition. She’s formidable. Che might be a revolutionary but, despite her tiny frame, if it came to a fight there’s no doubt this Evita would beat him hands down.

The story follows her transformation from dark haired tramp tagging along with cheap bar singers to sparkling stateswoman, perfectly manicured with long flowing gowns and immaculate blonde hair.

Evita’s is a ruthless glamour, but her steely determination is matched by her passion.

The emotion and clarity of Jaye’s voice heightens the power of Evita’s speeches.

When she’s followed by the ensemble in full song the result is rousing. And, even though we’ve seen the character as manipulative and staged, when she sings, Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, it is still incredibly moving.

Mark Powell as Che sings well, getting the audience on side straight away with the famous Oh What A Circus. Mark Heenehan impresses as an imposing yet human Peron, while Abigail Matthews as the Mistress, sings Another Suitcase in Another Hall beautifully.

This is a fine production from Bill Kenright and the Really Useful Group.

Bill Deamer’s choreography gives a flavour of the Argentinean setting with a tango influence to some of the dance, while we get an idea of Peron’s power and wealth from the majestic sets, filled with tall pillars and iron staircases.

However, it is Lloyd Webber’s music coupled with Rice’s unique take on a political true story which carries the show’s success and gives it an edge that hasn’t faded after more than 30 years on the road.

Evita is at the Lowry until September 18, 2010.