CCM To Present EVITA, Previews Begin 11/17

The College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) Musical Theatre department kicks off its Mainstage Season with Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera Evita. This vivacious show runs from November 17 (preview) through November 21 in CCM's Corbett Auditorium on the University of Cincinnati campus.

Winner of seven Tony Awards, Evita brings to life the dynamic, larger-than-life persona of Eva Perón, wife of former Argentine dictator, Juan Perón. Her huge political influence and widespread charity catapulted her into the hearts of the working class, but enraged the wealthy and the military of Argentina. This exuberant production creates a gripping theatrical experience and features the memorable songs "High Flying, Adored" and the legendary "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina," putting into music the unfortunately short life of the unofficial heroine of Argentina.

"It's an honor to get to play somebody like her because they say she's a tiger mixed with a dove," explains Alaina Mills, a senior from Louisville, KY, and this production's Eva. "She has a bad temper, but she's also one of the most compassionate people that ever lived."

The multiple sides of Eva's life and personality provided a worthy challenge for the artistic team, which includes Aubrey Berg, director, Jesse Kissel, music director and Patti James, choreographer. But Mills explained the importance of showing the sides of Eva's public image. "I need to see every bit of right in what I'm doing and let other people make a judgment, then react to her. Because Eva has different sides, interesting production choices have been made. It's going to be a bit different than anything that's ever been done with this show."

This is the first time in 24 years that CCM has produced Evita. Students and faculty alike are excited about the upcoming production. "In preparing students for careers as working professionals, we monitor forthcoming Broadway productions carefully with an eye on placing our students after graduation. With an upcoming Broadway revival of Evita starring Ricky Martin slated for the spring, we thought it a good time to revive this popular musical," said director Aubrey Berg.

"Last year's production of Hair, also running on Broadway, brought in full-house crowds and celebrated CCM's 40th Anniversary of Musical Theatre," Berg continues. "This season we anticipate a similar response and are looking forward to an exciting production of Evita."

Evita Principal Cast List:

Che Guevara - Pierce Cassady, (junior from Tallahassee, Florida)
Eva Perón - Alaina Mills, (senior from Louisville, Kentucky)
Agustín Magaldi - John Riddle, (junior from Vermilion, Ohio)
Juan Perón - Chris Blem, (junior from Tampa, Florida)
Perón's Mistress - Michelle Berkowitz, (junior from Boca Raton, Florida)
Tango Dancers - Giovanni Bonaventura, (senior from Las Vegas, Nevada) and Julie Kavanagh, (senior from St. Louis, Missouri)

For more information, including director, cast and staff bios, please visit http://ccmpr.wordpress.com/2010/10/25/ccm-presents-evita-nov-17-21/

University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
MAINSTAGE MUSICAL THEATRE SERIES

Evita
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Book by Tim Rice
Aubrey Berg, director
Jesse Kissel, music director
Patti James, choreographer

Performance Dates:
Nov. 17-21
• Wednesday, Nov. 17, 8 p.m. (preview)
• Thursday, Friday & Saturday, Nov. 18-20, 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 21, 2:30 p.m.

Location:
Corbett Auditorium
College-Conservatory or Music
University of Cincinnati

Tickets:
$22-all audiences, Nov. 17 preview only
$17 matinee, $19 evening-students
$27 matinee, $29 evening-general public

Ordering and Additional Information:
CCM Box Office: 513-556-4183 or ccm.uc.edu

Mainstage Season Production Sponsor: Macy's
Musical Theatre Program Sponsor: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation
Production Sponsor: Leo Munick, MD & Alice Fegelman