EVITA Reigns Again at the Oriental Theatre

     Consider me one of the few adults who haven’t seen Evita at the movies or in one of its national theatre productions.  Outside of loving the song “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” sung by Madonna, I went to review EVITA at the Oriental Theatre completely open-minded amidst the excitement of an audience that seemed to know the show inside-out.

     This Tony Award-winning musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber is on its national tour, coming to Chicagoland for a limited engagement through October 6, 2013. Since I had no pre-conceived opinion, I will say the Evita actors and the entire talented ensemble gave an excellent performance of song, dance and dramatic tension to keep this reviewer absorbed and enthralled throughout this historical love story which took place between 1934 and 1952.

     The story line is Eva Peron’s true story: her rise from the slums of Junin, Argentina to the Presidential mansion as First Lady beside President Juan Peron.  Adored by her fellow Argentineans as a champion for the poor, Eva (beautifully played by Caroline Bowman) became one of the most powerful women in the world.  However, her greed, outsized ambitions and eventual fragile health turned Eva into one of the most tragic figures known around the globe.

     The cast was led by narrator Che, whose voice was commanding and beautifully sung by Josh Young.  He introduced us to Peron, an up-and-coming politician, who met and fell in love with Eva, a young, beautiful and persuasive working-class girl who charmed her way into Peron’s heart and political yearnings.  Sean MacLaughin looked the part of Peron, and his songs and dances convinced us of his undying love for Eva in such songs as “I’d Be Surprisingly Good for You” and “The Art of the  Possible.” Other outstanding songs included “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” and “High Flying, Adored.”

     Credit goes to Tony and Olivier Award-winner director Michael Grandage; choreography by Tony-Award –winning Rob Ashford; tour director Seth Sklar-Heyn, choreographer Chris Bailey, scenic and costume designer Christopher Oram, lighting designer Neil Austin; sound designer Mick Potter and many other talents behind-the-scene who made this show what it was – one of the enduring Broadway musicals brought to life once again on the Chicago stage.

     Tickets for Evita at the Oriental Theatre, 24 West Randolph Street) range from $27-$95. Tickets are available at all Broadway in Chicago Box Offices and the Chicago Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 plus Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayinChicago.com .