EVITA Plays Houston Family Arts Center, Now thru 5/24

The brilliance of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice is brought to life when Houston Family Arts Center (HFAC) brings the Tony award-winning musical EVITA to HFAC's Garza Mainstage, tonight, May 1 through May 24.

"EVITA is a true work of art. It is an example of a woman who came from nothing and grew to become the most powerful person in Argentina," said Matthew Logan, director and producer of HFAC's EVITA. "This musical is deep, energetic and fun, yet also wrestles with issues that we are confronting in America today."

EVITA follows the rags-to-riches rise of the First Lady of Argentina, Eva Duarte Peron. Set primarily in Argentina, from 1934-1952, the musical follows Eva on her journey from fatherless child, to ambitious actress, to the most powerful woman in Latin America. The events in Evita's life are presented in song and editorialized by the show's narrator, Che. The musical began as a rock-opera concept album, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical and was the first British musical to receive the Tony Award for Best Musical.

Lending their talents to this production are Matthew Logan (director), Michael Montgomery (executive producer), Jennifer Stewart (musical director), Adam Delka (choreography), Lisa Garza (scenic design), Kristin Knipp and Amber Stepanik (costume design), Ron Putterman (lighting design) and David Dean (sound design).

The show is brought to life by cast members Shanae'a Moore (Eva Peron), Darry Hearon (Che), Larry Luck (Juan Peron), Sam Balest (Magaldi), Nicole Palmer (Mistress). Rounding out the cast are ensemble players: Patrick Barton, Bambi Carlson, Joey Castorema, Tyler Collins, Adrian Collinson, Monica Cummings, Stephanie Hayden, Mandy Kolbaba, Shannon Murray, Charlie McCoy, JJ Obee, Chloe Rhodes, Christa Ruiz, Sarah Sneesby and John Watkins.

Performances of EVITA are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m., May 1 through May 24 on HFAC's Garza Mainstage. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.houstonfac.com, or by phone at 281-587-6100. Special pricing is available for groups of 10 or more.