Janine DiVita to Star in EVITA, Opening 9/18 at the John W. Engeman Theater

The John W. Engeman Theater is proud to present EVITA, one of the most passionate and colorful musicals in theater history. Performances begin on September 18th at 8:00 pm and run through November 2nd.

For decades, theater-lovers have thrilled to the story of EVITA, which recounts Eva Peron's meteoric rise from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady. Adored by her people as a champion for the poor, she became one of the most powerful women in the world---while her greed, outsized ambition and fragile health made her one of the most tragic. EVITA tells Eva's passionate and unforgettable true story and features some of theater's most beautiful songs, including "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina," "Another Suitcase in Another Hall," And "High Flying, Adored."

EVITA is produced by RICHARD T. DOLCE, The Engeman Theater's Producing Artistic Director.

The cast of EVITA features: JANINE DIVITA (Eva) - Broadway: GREASE, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, ANYTHING GOES; AARON C. FINLEY (Che) - Broadway: ROCK OF AGES; BRUCE WINANT (Peron) - Broadway: LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, CHICAGO, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, RAGTIME, MISS SAIGON, MY FAVORITE YEAR; RUBEN FLORES (Migaldi) - Broadway: IN THE HEIGHTS; ASHLEY PEREZ FLANAGAN (The Mistress) started at The Engeman Theater as a hostess when she was in high school and went on to perform on stage in The Engeman production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC in 2010. She has since gone on to a successful career as a performer being featured in Diane Paulus's production of PROMETHEUS UNBOUND (A.R.T.) and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (Enlightened Theatrics). Ashley is the daughter of NYS Senator John Flanagan.

The cast also includes JUSTIN GREGORY LOPEZ, RYAN RHUE, GILBERT SANCHEZ, LARRY LOZIER JR., PAUL VELUTIS, MEGAN KOUMIS, ERIKA PETERSON, HALLIE SILVERSTON and EMILY ESPOSITO

The creative team for EVITA is IGOR GOLDIN (Director) Engeman Theater: THE MUSIC MAN, TWELVE ANGRY MEN, SOUTH PACIFIC; Off-Broadway: YANK! (Drama Desk Award), WITH GLEE and NYMTF winner of Award for Excellence in Direction for CROSSING SWORDS, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and COMMON GROUNDS; ANTOINETTE DIPIETROPOLO (Choreographer) Engeman Theater: THE MUSIC MAN, NUNSENSE, SOUTH PACIFIC, HAIRSPRAY; Off-Broadway: WITH GLEE; National Tours: HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS; JAMES OLMSTEAD (Musical Director) Engeman Theater: THE MUSIC MAN, WHITE CHRISTMAS, SOUTH PACIFIC.

The design team is DANIEL WILLIS (Scenic Design), KURT ALGER (Costume and Wig Design), ZACH BLANE (Lighting Design), CRAIG KAUFMAN (Sound Design), MEAGAN MILLER-McKEEVER (Props Design), MICHAEL CASSARA (Casting Director), TREY COMPTON (Assistant Director).

Press opening is Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 8:00pm. EVITA will play the following performance schedule: Thursdays at 8:00 pm; Fridays at 8:00 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm; and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets are ON SALE and are $69. Tickets may be purchased by calling (631) 261-2900, by visiting www.engemantheater.com, or at the Engeman Theater Box Office, at 250 Main Street, Northport. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted.

ABOUT THE JOHN W. ENGEMAN THEATER: The John W. Engeman Theater at Northport is Long Island's only year-round professional theater company, casting its actors from the Broadway talent pool. From curb to curtain, the Theater provides affordable, high-quality theater in a uniquely elegant location dedicated to an unforgettable theatrical experience. The renovated Theater offers stadium-style seating, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, a full orchestra pit, and a classic wood-paneled piano lounge with full bar.