The King’s Theatre is transported to the streets of Buenos Aires this week to tell the story of Argentina’s own people’s princess Eva Peron in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ever-popular musical Evita. Madalena Alberto plays the title role, the wife of Argentinian president Juan Peron and first lady of Argentina from 1946 until her death in 1952.
Alberto expertly portrays the transformation of Eva from an aspiring young actress, desperate to escape her poverty stricken family and burst into the bright lights of the big city of Buenos Aires, into a national icon. The musical rolls through the story of her life as she successfully climbs the social ladder through her seductive charms and burning ambition before falling in love with rising political leader Peron after a chance meeting at a charity event.
Together they become an incredible powerhouse, however, it is clear that it is Evita who inspires the Argentinian people as she seeks fame and fortune. Her rags to riches story, told through some of the best songs in the score, endears her to the public.
The final stages of Evita’s life see Alberto portray a more fragile and vulnerable side. She delivers a haunting, subtle, passionate performance of Don’t Cry for me Argentina, the most famous moment in Evita. There’s a sense of anticipation as the time for the song approaches.
Che is played by Gian Marco Scharetti and is a strong narrator, anchoring the show, moving along the story and bringing the audience with him. The character also helps to convey the wider context of the political and cultural changes in Argentina at that time.
Cristina Hoey makes a fabulous impact as the mistress who is thrown out when Eva Peron moves in. Her innocent yet touching perfomance of Another Suitcase, Another Hall is one of the highlights of the show.
Expect a dramatic and engaging show with passionate performances, slick dance routines and beautiful costumes.
Evita runs at the King’s Theatre, Glasgow until Saturday 19th May.