EVITA Begins Tonight at Family Musical Theater

It will indeed be a historic introduction to the summer season when Family Musical Theater takes to the stage for their second show of the season, Evita. Evita concentrates on the life of Argentine political leader Eva Perón, the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón. The story follows Evita's early life, rise to power, charity work, and eventual death. The musical began as a rock opera concept album released in 1976. Its success led to productions in London's West End in 1978, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical, and on Broadway a year later, where it was the first British musical to receive the Tony Award for Best Musical.

The thrill of live theater is augmented, however, by the power of giving back to the community. A portion of the proceeds from the performances of ³Evita² will benefit Support Dogs, Inc., a St. Louis-based non-profit that provides service dogs and pet therapy to those in need in St. Louis and nationwide. FMT is thrilled to support SDI for a fifth straight season, and looks forward to continuing
to raise money and awareness for this special group.

FMT is pleased to be returning to the Ivory Theatre in Carondelet. This building, which served the people of St. Boniface Catholic Church as their worship space for over 140 years, has been recently renovated into a fascinating theater space, incorporating elements of the original church throughout.

Evita will run Friday, and Saturday, July 10, 11, 17, and 18, at 8 p.m., Thursday, July 16 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, July 12 and 19, at 2 p.m. at the Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan Avenue in Carondelet. Tickets are $20 in advance or at the door, with special discounts for seniors and children. Thursday nights are 2 for $25. Call 314-616-5966 for availability, or go to www.familymusicaltheater.org.