Reviving a musical is never an easy feat. Most productions draw fans clutching worn-out Broadway soundtracks, who can sing each lyric in their sleep. Each new rendition of a beloved show must simultaneously win over these individuals while also providing new audiences with a chance to fall in love. This can be a daunting task, though this fall, the U.S. tour of “Evita” has mastered it exceptionally. The show hums with new life and it will be in Chicago for a limited time.
“Evita” tells the story of Eva Per’ÛÎ_n, the second wife of Argentinian president, Juan Per’ÛÎ_n, and her peculiar and incredible rise from movie star to powerful politician. A narrator named Che guides the audience through her transformation while reminding them of the poverty and suffering of those who live beneath the surface of the sparkling political regime.
The U.S. tour’s rendition of “Evita” is spectacular in its entirety. Broadway veteran Caroline Bowman, who takes on the title role, brings the production to life. Her vigor is infectious and her sheer vocal and theatrical talent is captivating. Bowman’s spirit holds the show together on a large and visual scale, but her attention to detail makes it something genuinely remarkable. Each micro expression that flashes over the actress’ face and each turn of her foot as she dances seem as though they are executed in complete dedication to the show.
Actress Krystina Alabado also delivers a tour-de-force performance. Though her time on stage is mainly spent as a member of the ensemble, Alabado’s rendition of the famous “Another Suitcase in Another Hall,” as Juan Per’ÛÎ_n’s mistress, is haunting. Her demeanor and grace are painfully beautiful. Though her role is a smaller one, she delivers the punch that needs to be packed in this classic song.
Visually, “Evita” is an absolute pleasure to indulge in. The costuming is immaculate and the stage design is delightful, always dazzling the audience but never detracting from the performance. The seemingly effortless balance that the U.S. tour strikes between dedication to the large-scale and small-scale aspects of the production create seamlessness. It is the kind of show that is all too easy to get lost in entirely.
DePaul student Veronica Lalov had never experienced “Evita” and was enthralled by it.
“I loved the performance,” she said. “From the costumes to the choreography, it was perfection. I had no prior knowledge of the life of Eva Per’ÛÎ_n, but I was captivated throughout the entire show. The music was catching and the standing ovation was well-deserved.”
The show delivers impressive technicality and a wealth of historical information while simultaneously delivering the kind of entertainment that an audience can get swept away in. Its variation in both visuals and content transport the playgoer into another world completely; Chicago’s beautiful Oriental Theatre is transformed into the heart of Argentina the minute the curtain rises. The audience experiences Eva’s life from the outside, but also from the inside in beautiful and intimate moments. This tour of “Evita” is sure to capture the hearts of longtime fans and new viewers alike. It is a light in the city that will not be extinguished until long after it has moved on.
“Evita” will be at the Oriental Theatre from Sept. 16 to Oct. 6.