Her mad existence: 'Evita' takes center stage at Henegar

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The Henegar Center is kicking off the new year with "Evita," a sweeping biographical musical by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice about Argentina's Eva Perón. But don't worry, this is not a dry dissertation on Latin American political history - far from it.

The Tony Award-winning musical, playing at the Henegar from Jan. 20 through Feb. 5, charts Eva's meteoric rise from poverty and illegitimacy to become the glittering, beloved first lady of Argentina.

Ambitious and clever, Eva was a social climber. Starved for love as a child, she learned how to make people love her. As an actress in the 1930s, she became a popular film and radio star. As the wife of military leader-turned president Juan Perón, the girl from the slums became the most powerful woman in Argentina before her death from cancer at age 33.

For the Henegar's executive artistic director Dominic Del Brocco, the historical elements of the show had obvious attractions.

"It's always exciting when we get to present a story based on actual people and events," he said. "As a lover of history, it adds an extra layer of research and detail to make sure we are respecting the actual story, but balanced with theatrical elements and liberties."

Eva's rags-to-riches story is obviously theatrical, and one that will resonate with modern audiences.

"In some instances she is liked and compared to a 'Lady Diana' of South America," said Del Brocco. "People would flock to her as any modern day rock star. Like in most life scenarios, she also found a lot of opposition from the established majority and the aristocrats of the day that found Eva's ascension to power appalling."

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The musical's complicated score, which incorporates Latin and pop elements, came as a welcome challenge for the Henegar production. Many will recognize the show's songs including “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Buenos Aires,” and “Another Suitcase in Another Hall.”

"The show is our first operetta in a while, meaning the entire show is sung from beginning to end," said Del Brocco.

"We are thrilled to be able to present this story and represent the voices of so many in our community. We are proud to have many members of the cast representing various Hispanic and Latin nations across the globe."

In demanding role of "Evita," Carline Vidal is making her stage debut.

"We are so excited to provide her with this first credit in the title role," said Del Brocco.

In the role of "Che," the show's narrator and voice of conscience, Jared Sierra is working double duty as rehearsal manager and production assistant.

"It is amazing to see him do all of the things needed to pull the show off, and be in a lead role that has to carry the narration of the show," said Del Brocco.

Supporting Vidal and Sierra in the Henegar production's other principal roles, Justin Scarlat plays "Perón," Carlos Jiminez Jr. plays "Magaldi" and Viviana Barbaro plays the "Mistress."

If you go

'Evita'

Where: The Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne

When: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Feb. 5, 2023

Tickets: Start at $34

Info: 321-723-8698

On the web: henegarcenter.com

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Musical 'Evita' takes center stage at the Henegar Center