Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice released an album in 1976 in London of a show-to-be called “Evita.” By early 1977, the album took the world by storm and by the time “Evita” premiered in London in June of ’78, everyone was humming “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.”
The story is about the life of Eva Peron, and how she became wife of Argentine dictator Juan Peron. It takes us via “pop opera” from her illegitimate birth and rejection by her father’s family, the bitter poverty and the manipulative climb to power and the desire for the position of acceptance in upper class society that always seemed just out of her grasp. A narrator character of Che hovers in and out of the story cynically bringing reality to the intrigue as the play unfolds
Gavilan College’s production of “Evita”is adeptly directed by Dennis Beasley who moves his people with a definite purpose. Lexie Dorset Sharp is an impressive Evita with a solid, clear voice that has the gutsy timber that gives Evita the needed drive for her character.
Jesse Sharp as Peron underplays the immoral tyrant/dictator with a strong tenor with enough passion and subtle weakness to keep the audience aware of his insecurities. Jery Rosas as Che Guvera carries his role with a solid baritone that brings a little light into the many dark moods of this piece. He treats this character with a slight whimsy and humor. As the everyman, this Che has charisma with fine delivery.
Playing Peron’s child mistress, Ashton Quirke’s treatment of “Another Suitcase Another Hall” was a soft, lovely, welcome, heartfelt moment. “I’d Be Surprisingly Good For You” with Eva, Peron and a group of tango dancers came across with the seductiveness of her first meeting with Peron that made the combination an interesting and inventive mix.
The signature balcony scene and song, “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina,” had a poignant moment of Eva making the first real grab for her own power. A group of energetic dancers and chorus carry choreographer Elizabeth Falvey’s creativity to interesting interpretations.
Costumes by Dr. John Lawton-Hael, sets and props by Dr. Catherine M. Booth, lighting by Steven Porter and sound by Jack Dahm and Sabrina Seery coordinate an extremely complicated production. A fine, full orchestra offstage carries the show under the capable baton of Lane Sanders.
Gavilan’s “Evita” holds its own with a visit to a story that always intrigues the imagination and at the same time entertains.
“Evita” runs through May 16 at Gavilan College Theatre, 5055 Santa Theresa Blvd., Gilroy. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and $12 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at BookSmart in Morgan Hill and at Gavilan College Bookstore. For reservations and information call (408) 846-4397 or go to www.brownpapertickets.com/event473421.
