BWW Interviews: William Cooper Howell on Playing Che in EVITA at the Egyptian Theatre

Local actor William Cooper Howell is currently performing the role of Che in EVITA (music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Tim Rice) at the Egyptian Theatre in Park City. He was happy to answer questions from BroadwayWorld about his involvement in the production, as well as other theatre experiences.

1. How did you become involved with the show?

My good friend, the music director Anne Puzey, told me that she was music directing EVITA, and I was craving to work with her again. She's the best vocal coach in the state and her shows always sound amazing. Her passion and dedication to her work is incredibly inspiring. I'd follow her into hell, singing in perfect pitch all the way, if I had to. But I also was very excited about being able to perform in a show that is very rewarding, difficult, moving, and hardly produced in Utah. That turned me on to the idea as well.

2. Why do you like Evita?

I like EVITA because it is so incredibly relevant. Obscurity to fame and rags to riches Cinderella stories have always fascinated me. It's what we all hope and dream would happen to us. Eva Peron's story is no different except this Cinderella bribes the fairy godmother for her pumpkin coach and sleeps with the prince at the ball to become a princess. It's a classic tale told with a mischievous wink and a smirk. AND it's a true story, which makes it all the more fascinating.

3. There have been a number of different interpretations of Che in the past, from Mandy Patinkin in the original Broadway cast, to Antonio Banderas in the film, to Ricky Martin, who I saw in the recent Broadway revival. Did any of these performances inspire elements of your own interpretation? How did you find your own version of the character?

All three of those performances of Che are totally different and I love them each for their own reasons. Mr. Patankin's Che was based off Che Guevara, the revolutionary who was from Argentina and was present for the Peron's reign from the age of 17 to 24. His Che was very, very angry and charged with an inner fire of hate. There's a bite to his performance that presents a great contrast to the glamour, diva power of his Evita counterpart, Patti LuPone. Antonio Banderas' Che was very, very sarcastic, and both he and Ricky Martin had a sex appeal to them. Ricky seemed to concentrate more on narrating the story for clarity then anything else. I like to think that I have equal parts of them in my own performance. I "found" my interpretation of Che by watching documentaries and reading articles and books about Eva Peron and listening to my own responses to what I found out. She was a crazy, awesome, corrupt, conniving, woman who wasn't to be messed with. I'm very attracted to her and completely repulsed by her at the same time, something I try to have come across: Loving what you hate.

4. You've starred in local productions of RAGTIME (Coalhouse Walker), PARADE (Jim Conley), SIDE SHOW (Jake), and SPRING AWAKENING (Hanschen). These are some very intense, though incredible, shows. Is there something about dramatic shows that you are drawn to, in contrast to musical comedy?

Those are some very intense shows! I love being involved in productions where the audience is given a dose of reality they can't escape and you can feel waves of emotion emanate from them. The power to change people's lives by telling stories is always something I'm attracted to. Making them laugh, however, is really fun and gratifying in its own way. As an audience member, I love being forced to look into the cruel mirror of life.

5. What are your favorite musicals? What are your favorite roles to have played?

Sondheim, Sondheim, Sondheim, Sondheim, Sondheim... By the time I was 8 I had watched my VHS of INTO THE WOODS so many times I could quote it verbatim in its entirety. I would fall asleep listening to Follies every night and even brought a copy of COMPANY to school to listen to it during lunch on a walkman. My favorite stuffed animal for years as a child was named Bobby... So I'm obsessed with his work you can say.

In terms of favorite roles, I'm glad to say I've been able to play a number of my dream parts, Che in EVITA on top of all of them. After Che, in fact, I feel like I can play any role with confidence. I love getting a part and having to hike a mountain of self doubt and training to be able to play it. Those are the roles that are my absolute favorite.

6. Evita is not often produced in Utah. Why do you think that is?

Hmm... The people of Utah are a very family oriented people, and they gravitate to shows like JOSEPH..., FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, and so on, again and again because it's safe, good values entertainment the whole family can go to. EVITA presents the audience with a lady who is completely NOT family oriented, dirty dealing herself up the ladder into fame and fortune. The show preaches a message, and I think a great one, but it's definitely more of a cautionary tale and a look at the underside of society and humanity then anything else. A little complex for the young ones, I think.

7. What has it been like rehearsing for the show?

The rehearsals for EVITA have been very difficult. Its two and one half hours of balls to the wall rock opera singing with hardly a break in between numbers. Its story is like a puzzle piece and every piece has to be put together very carefully. It's like running a marathon this show. Everyone has worked very hard and very seriously to put this show up. I'm very proud to be a part of it. But it's a rehearsal process I'll never forget.

8. Why should people drive to Park City to see your production of EVITA?

If people want to see some of the best acting, singing, and dancing that the state has to offer, then they should see this show. If people love explorations of cultures, then they should see this show. If anyone loves Argentina, they should see this show. If anyone loves to be challenged emotionally and mentally, they should see this show. It's an incredible exploration of a woman who had it all and had nothing at all at the same time. If anyone is fascinated by figures like Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian, then they need to come to Park City and meet Latin America's most famous celebrity.

EVITA plays at the Egyptian Theatre Thursdays through Sundays until July 28, 2013. For tickets or more information, call the box office at 435-649-9371 or visit www.parkcityshows.com.

Photo Credit: William Cooper Howell as Che with Ensemble