EVITA - CMPAC | 2.10.24
Photo Credit: Courtney Braun | @clicksbycourtThe CM Performing Arts Center is currently presenting the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical ‘Evita’ from February 10th to February 24th, featuring an all-star cast full of Long Island Theater veterans. The musical began as a rock opera concept album (much in the same vein as Jesus Christ Superstar) that was subsequently developed into a Broadway musical and later, a 1996 film starring Madonna, Jonathan Pryce, and Antonio Banderas.
Evita tells the story of Eva Peron, a woman born to humble beginnings in Argentina who dreamt of something more. She meets Agustin Magaldi, who whisks her away to Buenos Aires where she worked in entertainment as a model, actress, and radio star. After using her popularity to organize a concert to benefit victims of an earthquake in San Juan she meets Juan Peron who has been seeing success of his own in the military and later, politics. He was elected President of Argentina in 1946 and much of his success is credited to Eva, whose personality resonated with many. Some in the military weren’t fond of Eva’s popularity among the Argentinians and her influence in Juan’s decision-making. After some time, her health began to decline as a result of cancer. Despite this, she states her desire to officially run for Vice President before her health forced her not to. She eventually passes, but her legacy lives on in this beautifully told story.
CM’s production is wonderfully directed by Ronald R. Green III - with the additional tasks of Scenic Design and Costume/Wig Design - with the incomparable Laura Laureano leading the charge as the musical’s title character, Eva Peron. Long Island theater die-hards will remember the last time Laureano played this role in 2019 at Smithtown Performing Arts Center and she soared to new heights in this production! Act I’s “Buenos Aires” is your first glimpse at what she is capable of - commanding the stage as only she can. (If memory serves, this is also the first full company number and Matthew W. Surico’s facial expressions give you everything else you need!)
highlighting any one moment as ‘the best Laureano moment’ sells every OTHER terribly short, but she positively soars on “A New Argentina” and her rendition of “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” is a bonafide showstopper.
Photo Credit: Courtney Braun | @clicksbycourtI certainly wasn’t the only person to think so, as the silence that came over the audience as she sang was as deafening as silence could be. At this point, it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the role of Eva Peron.
Fortunately for us audience members, strong performances don’t end with her. Steven Charles takes on the role of Magaldi and it is impossible to not smile every time he opens his mouth to sing. Charles shines in every song he’s a part of, but is brightest in Act I’s “On This Night of a Thousand Stars” - his unique tone and undeniable stage presence demonstrates why he is a Long Island theater veteran. Giovanni Marine takes on the role of Che, singing and narrating through the story of Evita without missing a beat. Marine is featured in countless numbers throughout the show including “Oh, What a Circus” and a beautifully sung & danced number with Laureano in Act II’s “Waltz for Eva and Che.” Jon Rivera also returns to the CM stage as Juan Peron and his chemistry with Laureano is undeniable. His smooth-like-butter vocals are one of this productions’ strongest, featured in “I’d Be Surprisingly Good For You” and “She Is A Diamond.”
Matthew W. Surico’s musical direction is not to be overlooked either, as the harmonies from the ensemble were strong and prominent.
“Peron’s Latest Flame” was as much a standout for the ensemble as it was for Marine - please don’t find yourself in the bathroom during this number! In fact, there really is no good time to pee other than intermission - so plan appropriately! Much credit should also be given to Kevin Burns for his choreography, as the ensemble looked confident and capable in every number - a task that isn’t so easily executed on Long Island.
Photo Credit: Courtney Braun | @clicksbycourtTechnically, Evita faced some challenges with sound and spotlight operation. As a patron, it felt very much like the spotlight operators didn’t always know where the spotlight should go and I found it distracting (and frustrating) at times to see some of the leads singing in the dark. To the same point, the operation of the sound board was a bit below expectations as it was occasionally difficult to hear certain things. I would chalk this up to opening night issues, as this has not been a complaint of mine in the past. I’ll have the pleasure of seeing this production again in its second weekend and I’d think these issues would be solved.
All in all, many MANY kudos to the cast and crew of Evita at CM Performing Arts Center! Genuinely looking forward to my second (and third!) experience with this production - yet another feather in CM’s cap as an absolute must-see! Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling the box office or visiting their website. (www.cmpac.com)
Cast (in order of appearance):
Che - Giovanni Marine
Eva Peron - Laura Laureano
Magaldi - Steven Charles
Juan Peron - Jon Rivera
Mistress - Jasmine Recova
Child - Sadie Mathers
Ensemble - Will Brennan, Kevin Burns, Eduardo D’Atri, Samantha Free, Debbie Hecht, Will Logan, Paige Mathers, Kayla Murray, Rebecca Oliveri, Chantele Sterling, Marc Strauss, Matthew W. Surico, Briana Ude, Alexander Yagud-Wolek.
Creative Team:
Director/Scenic Designer/Costume & Wig Design - Ronald R. Green III
Music Director - Matthew W. Surico
Choreographer - Kevin Burns
Stage Manager - John Mazzarella
Sound Designer - Tim Haggerty
Lighting Designer - John Vaiano
