UCI Drama to Present EVITA

UC Irvine's Claire Trevor School of the Arts Department of Drama presents the Andrew Lloyd Weber/Tim Rice Tony-winning musical Evita, their second offering in the Irvine Barclay Theatre this season. This modern classic tells the story of Eva Peron, First Lady of Argentina, and her rise from poverty to international renown and controversy. The cast of this tale of Latin American history features Hispanic actors as its four leads, including Luzma Ortíz in the title role. Born of a Colombian mother and a Cuban father, Luzma still feels close ties to her heritage and extended family, and has long wanted to play the role of the fiery and ambitious Evita. "I admire the character of Eva Perón," she says, "because of her drive and ambition to get what she wants. UCI has provided wonderful opportunities for me as an actress, and this role has allowed me to explore my Latin roots in a very visceral way."

Her co-star Giovanni Munguía, who plays revolutionary Che Guevara, grew up in Mexico City and moved to the US with his mother at the age of 14. "I connect with Che's passion for making his country better for the people," says Gio, "and his political drive to stand against anyone who is not for the common good." Mario Móntes (Juan Perón) also moved here from Mexico with his mother and sister at age seven, and Joseph Abrego (Agustín Magaldi) is the son of a Salvadorian immigrant father. At the helm of Evita is Travis Kendrick, a third year MFA in Directing student, with Drama Chair Daniel Gary Busby (de Salazár) as Music Director. "I appreciate that UCI is now a Hispanic Serving Institution," Busby said, "and I believe this cast reflects the depth of talent across a diversity of backgrounds that is representative of our student population."

One of the most successful and iconic modern musicals, Evita took home seven Tony Awards in 1980, including those for Best Musical, Best Original Score, and a nomination for UCI Drama alumnus Bob Gunton for his portrayal of Juan Perón. This production will feature the score from the 2012 Broadway revival, featuring 19 musicians.

Evita is the sixth and final offering in UCI Drama's season of Care/Cure/Corruption, which explores themes of somatic and mental illness, as well as other kinds of institutional dis-ease. Featured productions aim to open discussions on the causes and manifestations of personal and communal malady, and to investigate ways in which we - as individuals and as a society - may affect a cure.

Performances and Ticket Information

Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92612

Evenings: May 27 & 28 at 8:00 pm

Matinee: May 28 at 2:00 pm

General Admission $22 / Seniors, Groups 10+ $20 / UCI Students & Children under 17 $12

(Tickets purchased at the Barclay Box Office will incur a $1 fee per ticket.)

For tickets through Claire Trevor School of the Arts, call (949) 824-2787 or visit www.arts.uci.edu/tickets