Considered one of the most celebrated musicals of all time, the producer’s of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s EVITA have announced, that due to popular demand, the season currently playing at the State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne has been extended to 3 March 2019.
Originally directed by Hal Prince and starring the remarkable Tina Arena as Eva Perón, the production completed a spectacular sold out season at the Sydney Opera House last year and has similarly in Melbourne been celebrated by audiences and critics alike.
“Arena’s rendition captures the complexity of Evita herself, with her mix of passion, grand ambition and manipulation.” – Sydney Morning Herald
The stellar cast features opera superstar Paulo Szot as Juan Perón, Kurt Kansley as the young revolutionary Che, Michael Falzon plays tango singer Magaldi, while the role of Perón’s Mistress is played by Alexis van Maanen, making her professional debut. Jemma Rix plays the alternate Eva Perón at certain performances.
Completing the cast is Justin Anderson, Anton Berezin, Michael Camilleri, Olivia Carniato, Rachel Cole, Alie Coste, Jade Coutts, Kristian Crowe, Todd Dewberry, Rodney Dobson, Samantha Dodemaide, Laura Field, Zoy Frangos, Ashleigh Gurnett, Kate Maree Hoolihan, Georgina Hopson, Thomas Johansson, Kathleen Moore, Thern Reynolds, Christopher Scalzo, David Sirianni, Tod Strike, Simon Tichelaar, Dean Vince, Rachael Ward, Paul Whiteley and 18 very talented children all hailing from Melbourne.
EVITA charts the story of Eva Perón, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Perón, from her humble beginnings through to the extraordinary wealth, power and status which ultimately led her to be heralded as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’.
The musical captured the attention of the public when it was first staged in 1978 and in its 40th year, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 70th year, Opera Australia, John Frost and David Ian are thrilled to bring this “modern masterpiece” (New York Post) to Australia in all its original glory.
EVITA continues at the State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne until 3 March 2019. For more information, visit: www.evitathemusical.com.au or www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: Tina Arena as Eva Peron – photo by Jeff Busby