Imagine a dirt-poor and illegitimate girl of fifteen who by the age of twenty-two has achieved some stardom. By twenty-four she has become the mistress of one of the most powerful men in Argentina and by twenty-seven who has earned the title of First Lady. By thirty-three her reign of power, controversial and devastating, is over.
Eva Peron, as the wife of Juan Peron, enjoyed folk heroine status and was considered a popular cultural icon, who rose from poverty to incredible power. Acting in the theater from the age of fifteen, she left home with a cardboard suitcase and played roles as diverse as Sarah Bernhardt, Elizabeth I of England and the last Tzarina of Russia, but her greatest role was as the second wife of Juan Peron and the “Spiritual Leader of the Nation” of Argentina.
To gain insights into the motivation behind the mask, attend the excellent Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber production of the hit Broadway musical “Evita” playing at the Warner Theatre of Torrington, presented by the Warner Stage Company, until Sunday, February 9.
Arianne De Cerb embraces the role of Evita, which means “little Eva,” with just the right blend of ambition, compassion and flamboyancy, striving to use her influence to advance her own prowess as well as to help the poor gain a better lot in life. The totally sung production, which includes Latin, pop and jazz tunes, begins at the death of the “fantasy queen,” “the goddess.” “the Cinderella of the tango, “the Sleeping Beauty of Latin America” and follows her meteoric rise to fame and success. Born out of wedlock, in dire poverty, she used her beauty and captivating charm to advance her personal agenda.
Calling the day she met Peron (Tim Reilly) at a fundraising party for earthquake victims her “marvelous day,” she overcame her lack of formal education and theatrical career to raise herself and her husband to deity status. Throughout the majestic musical are such memorable numbers as “Buenos Aires,” “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Rainbow High” and “And the Money Kept Rolling In.” Her actions are continually questioned by Che, a man of the people, portrayed dramatically by John Farias. Included in her story are people, the stepping stones, that Eva uses and abandons on her way to the top. Donald Birely directs this absorbing musical, with musical direction by Will Minton and choreography by Richie Lucibello.
For tickets ($18-26), call the Warner Theatre, 68 Main Street, Torrington at 860-489-7160 or online at www.warnertheatre.org. Performances
are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees Sunday at 2 p.m.
Decide for yourself if you agree with Che that Eva was a “tasteless phenomenon” or with Juan that she was “high flying adored.”
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