Theatre and Magic 98.3 present Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s the legendary seven Tony Award-winning musical EVITA for three performances on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 8pm and Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 3pm and 8pm.
The epic story of the rise and fall of Eva Peron is told in a sweeping pop opera, featuring one of the Broadway stage’s most dynamic and lush melodies, “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina.” EVITA is sponsored by Rutgers Student Affairs. Tickets range from $40-65.
The EVITA cast includes: Malia Tippets as Eva Peron (Portland, OR); Omar Lopez-Cepero as Che (Duluth, GA); Philip Peterson as Juan Peron (Hawaii & NY); as well as Stephanie Barnum (Benicia, CA); Todd Beasley (Greensboro, NC); James Langston Drake (Portland, OR); Buddy Flowers (Dover, OH); Tripp Fountain (Colorado Springs, CO); Alexis Henderson (Irvine, CA); Mark Ludden (Richmond, VA); Christopher Miller (San Diego, CA); Joice Passos (Delray Beach, FL); Lauren Sambatoro (Columbia, MD); Ryan Sandberg (San Diego, CA); Lisa Schale (Jacksonville, FL); Elizabeth Stacey (Tampa, FL); Jet Thomason (San Angelo, TX); and Kari Zimmerman (Maple Valley, WA).
EVITA brings to life the dynamic, larger-than-life persona of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator, Juan Peron.
Eva Peron, blessed with charisma, captivated a nation by championing the working class. From her illegitimate birth into poverty, to her status as a world player and South America’s most important woman, EVITA is a story of glamour, power, and greed.
Beginning its life as a concept album in 1976, EVITA instantly became a global phenomenon. It was the first mega musical when it opened at the Broadway Theatre on September 25, 1979, setting records for the largest box office advance.
It went on to sweep all theatre awards in 1979, winning seven Tonys including Best Musical, Score, Book, and Director. It played 1,568 performances, closing June 25, 1983.
EVITA became the first musical since the Rodgers & Hammerstein era to burst on to the world’s pop charts.
Four of the show’s song’s including the break out hit “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina,” were recorded globally.
A new generation was introduced to EVITA in 1996 when Alan Parker’s critically acclaimed film version opened starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas.
The film received five Oscar nominations, winning for Best Song, and won three Golden Globes including Best Picture.
Lyricist Tim Rice won Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score for EVITA.
Rice’ other stage musicals include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess, King David, and The Lion King.
He has received Oscars for EVITA’s “You Must Love Me” and “A Whole New World” from Aladdin.
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber won a Tony for Best Score for EVITA.
Webber’s other musicals include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, By Jeeves, Song & Dance, Cats, Starlight Express, The Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard, and Whistle Down the Wind.
He won six Tony’s, three Grammy’s , and an Oscar in 1997 for EVITA’s “You Must Love Me”. — www.statetheatrenj.org
