Reimagined EVITA Flies into PRiMA Theatre

PRiMA Theatre is offering a fresh imagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's EVITA, known to theatre audiences as a musical masterpiece. "Our take on EVITA will offer a new look at a historic story that carries universal themes." says the show's director, Mitch Nugent. "It's a story about obsessively striving for a better life for yourself, obsession with the ladder of success, and then coming to the tragic realization that all that truly lasts are your legacy and love. I'm also excited to explore the relationship between the press and those in political power."

EVITA follows the unprecedented life of Eva Perón. Otherwise known as Evita, Eva uses her beauty and charisma to rise from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady. She won international acclaim and adoration from her own people as a champion of the poor, while glamour and power made her the world's first major female political celebrity. EVITA tells Eva's passionate and tragic story through Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's most dazzling and beloved score, which includes "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," "Another Suitcase in Another Hall" and "High Flying Adored," together with "You Must Love Me," the Oscar-winning hit from the feature film starring Madonna.

PRiMA's production boasts a cast of over 50 people, while featuring some impressive talent. Nugent says, "Our aim is to honor the culture and history of Eva Perón, while leaning deeply into a focus on how the story mirrors today's societal issues and demographics."

Eva Perón is played by Cara Clase. A Millersville University graduate currently studying at the University of Delaware for her Masters in Economics, Cara is as theatrically talented as she is intelligent. Credits include Aida (Aida), Rent (JoAnne), and Cabaret (Sally Bowles).

Ché is brought to life by Jay Poff, a well known performer throughout Central PA (PRiMA, Fulton Theatre, Sight & Sound Theatre, Gretna Theatre, and Media Theatre). PRiMA audiences would recognize him as Freddie in Chess,and Radames in Aida. Other credits include Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Dr. FrankNFurter in The Rocky Horror Show, The Emcee in Cabaret, and Moses in Moses.

Robert Bigley returns to the PRiMA stage as Juan Peron, having previously appeared in Chess, The Music of West Side Story, and Back to the 80s. Other regional appearances have included Newsies (Seitz), Big the Musical (MacMillan), and HMS Pinafore (Dick Deadeye). Dr. Bigley is Director of Choral and Vocal Studies at Lancaster Bible College and founding Director of the Trust Performing Arts Center.

EVITA plays for two weekends only, September 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 at Willow Valley Communities luxurious 480-seat Cultural Center Theater. Tickets start at $24.00 and are available at 717-327-5124 or at www.primatheatre.org.

Photo: Cara Clase