REVIEW: Company Theatre’s ‘Evita’ is a touch of star quality
She was a mystery, but everyone thought they knew her. From a sassy, excitable teenager to rising political figure, Eva (Evita) Peron knew she belonged at the top before she ever knew how to get there. Having recently celebrated its 40th Anniversary like the Company Theatre, The Company Theatre proudly presents Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony award-winning musical, Evita through March 31 at The Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts. This production is currently sold out. Click here for more information on the Company Theatre’s upcoming productions and more.
Evita, with music, book and lyrics by award-winning collaborators Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, is a rock opera set in Argentina. Part of what makes Evita such a captivating work is its vibrant pacing, handled beautifully by Sally Ashton Forrest. Based on the life of Maria Eva Peron, Evita’s life moves much like the soundtrack’s quick rhythms. The audience is taken through song from night club to city street to porch step with barely a pause for applause, its sweeping sets divulge Eva’s life in its sheer magnitude.
Kristen Huberdeau as Evita with cast Photo courtesy of The Company Theatre
This version of Evita features real footage from Eva Peron’s life and includes songs not featured in the latest 1996 film. The Art of the Possible, a cryptic number not in the film and featuring five officers, is particularly engaging. Evita is a young woman taking Argentina by storm…until she locks eyes with Peron, portrayed with regal like mindedness by Dan Kelly.
Dan Kelly as Peron Photo courtesy of The Company Theatre
Kristen Huberdeau exudes excitable sass and a bright, wide smile when she first appears as a teenager. However, Huberdeau’s Evita, behind her feigned naivete, is shrewd as soon as her feet hit the ground for the catchy, effervescent number, Buenos Aires. Huberdeau takes Evita from a vivacious teenager onward and excels at her developing influence and maturity through the years. She hits her stride with Buenos Aires, a joyous, catchy number about her instant love for the city and keeps up the brisk pace for this demanding role throughout, though some notes were a bit strained. She delivered an impressive version of Evita’s signature number, Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, glowing in a pristine gown.
No one succeeds without opposition. Che, portrayed with charisma and sardonic wit by Ken Bayliss, is part keen observer, part narrator, and represents the working class. In a beret and military fatigues, he occasionally engages the crowd, but his primary focus is on Evita. Bayliss captures the essence of Che and makes the role uniquely his own, leaving no trace of previous versions I have seen. From his observations in Oh What a Circus, his humorous duet in Good Night and Thank You with Huberdeau, and the reflective ballad, High Flying Adored, you’ll be glad to be taking this musical journey with Bayliss.
With rich, charming vocals for his signature song. On This Night of a Thousand Stars, Ryan Barrow blends sensitivity, melodrama, and humor to night club singer, Magaldi and was a hit with the audience. A couple of other notable numbers include a sweet rendition of Another Suitcase in Another Hall by Sydney Palmer and a stirring, candlelit rendition of Santa Evita.
The Company Theatre proudly presents Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony award-winning musical, Evita through March 31 at the Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts. This production is currently sold out. Click here for more information and and how to support Company Theatre’s future. Follow Company Theatre on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more on their upcoming events.