EVITA National Tour Comes to Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Now thru 8/17

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts announced today that it will kick off its 2014-2015 season with the Tony Award-winning musical EVITA, today, Aug. 12-17. Tickets start at $36 and can be purchased online at www.ordway.org, by phone at 651-224-4222 or in person at the Ordway ticket office.

This updated production features new orchestrations and choreography, reflecting a more authentic Argentine culture while still paying homage to the iconic moments the show is known for.

Eva Perón used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically 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. Yet, 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."

Directed by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Michael Grandage and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Rob Ashford, this is the first new Broadway production of the seven-time Tony Award-winning musical since it debuted on Broadway over 30 years ago. The New York Post said, "The wait was worth it: packed with memorable tunes, EVITA is a modern masterpiece!"

The cast features Caroline Bowman (Kinky Boots, Wicked, Spamalot, Fame: The Musical, Grease) as Eva Perón, Sean MacLaughlin (The Phantom of the Opera) as Juan Perón, Josh Young (Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables, West Side Story) as Che, Christopher Johnstone (South Pacific) as Magaldi and Krystina Alabado (American Idiot, Spring Awakening) as the Mistress.

Produced by Hal Luftig, Scott Sanders and Troika Entertainment, the creative team includes tour director Seth Sklar-Heyn, tour choreographer Chris Bailey, Tony Award-winning scenic and costume designer Christopher Oram, Tony Award-winning lighting designer Neil Austin, Olivier Award-winning sound designer Mick Potter, wig and hair designer Richard Mawbey, projection designer Zachary Borovay, music supervisor Kristen Blodgette and music director/conductor William Waldrop. Orchestrations are by Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Cullen and dance arrangements are by David Chase.

For tickets and more information, visit www.ordway.org.