Greetings again, all! The pregnant arts and entertainment contributor is coming to you again (baby bump and all) – this time from Evita at Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center.
My first exposure to musical theatre was listening to my mom’s cassette tape (you know, one of those old plastic things with that tape stuff in it) of Phantom of the Opera as we drove along in the car. In my mind (and having been exposed to nothing else at that point), Andrew Lloyd Webber was the pinnacle of all things Broadway.
Fast forward to the present and I still love me some good ol’ Andrew Lloyd Webber. I was excited to get to see Evita because of the music by the aforementioned Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice (also of The Lion King fame). Some things I didn’t know about Evita: it’s all singing (I know, duh Stephanie…it’s a musical) with virtually zero dialog, it’s based on the true story of Eva Perón in Argentina, and it’s a heck-a good time!
The Touring Cast of EVITA. Photo Credit: Richard Termine
With the elimination of dialog, the storyline of Evita moves along at quite a brisk pace. At first I wasn’t sure if I liked it but both my husband (the Shakespeare and professional wrestling fan) and I thought that it really added to the sense of urgency in Eva’s life story: she wanted to get out of her small town, she wanted to be in the public eye, she wanted to be famous, she wanted this particular man, she wanted the country to love her, and she wanted to be vice president.
Caroline Bowman as ‘Eva Peron’ in the National Tour of EVITA. Photo Credit: Richard Termine
My favorite performer of the whole show was Josh Young who played Che. Che was the narrator of sorts and let us in on the real “dirt” behind Eva’s story. Not only was his character incredibly likeable and charismatic, in my opinion he was the best vocalist of the entire cast (which is really saying something because they were all exceptionally top shelf).
Josh Young as ‘Che’ in the National Tour of EVITA. Photo Credit: Richard Termine
In addition to the legit vocal performances, the dancing was also a genuine please to watch. After a few numbers in the first act, my husband (who recently began a new workout regimen) leaned down and said, “They must have completely ripped abs. I’m tired just watching them!” While Young was my favorite vocalist, Caronline Bowman who played Eva was hands down the best dancer. She was able to seemingly effortlessly glide across the stage with grace and rhythm and style while never appearing out of breath for a single note she had to sing.
Caroline Bowman as ‘Eva’ and cast in the National Tour of EVITA. Photo Credit: Richard Termine
James and I definitely recommend you taking in a performance with this cast of Evita.
We sincerely enjoyed our time and are also now intrigued to find out more about this Argentine historical figure.
Eva Perón used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady. Adored by her people as a champion for the poor, she became one of the most powerful women in the world — while her greed, outsized ambition and fragile health made her one of the most tragic. EVITA tells Eva’s passionate and unforgettable true story, and features some of theater’s most beautiful songs, including “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” and “High Flying, Adored.”
EVITA will play the Aronoff Center from February 18 – March 2, 2014:
Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30PM Friday at 8:00PM Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM Sunday at 1:00PM and 6:30PM Tickets for EVITA start at $28. They are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS. For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice. For more information, please visit www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com.
Stephanie is a 30-something Kentucky native who loves Jesus, her husband, teaching middle school, and all things artsy. She has a music undergrad degree and loves opportunities to put it to good use. You can usually find her in a museum, theater, or planning to travel.
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Check out Stephanie’s other posts and reviews here.
Disclaimer: I was given complimentary tickets to the show for review and promotion purposes. All opinions are 100 percent my own.
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