Evita - London Revival (spoilers)

[pattifan2]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 4:25am

Saw an early preview last night. This is a very straightforward production which lacked the imagination of the original. However, I did think the set and the lighting, in particular, were stunning. Elena Roger gave an uneven performance. I thought she captured a real vulnerability to begin with and her character was developed well as the show moved on. She struggled at times with some of the phrasing (particularly in 'Rainbow Tour'), but her 'Surprisingly Good For You' was wonderful. She looked perfect, the right age, too, for the early scenes. Overall, I really liked her. Matt Rawle as Che sings this role so incredibly well and I hope he gets to record it. He lacks direction at times, but he's never better than in 'High Flying, Adored'. Gorgeous. Philip Quast as Peron is perfect both in terms of voice and performance. His character is so well developed and he was terrific in the later scenes when Eva becomes ill, capturing the bewilderment of 'so what happens now?' 'You Must Love Me' is included in the show and works really well.

The new orchestrations are wonderful; they, along with the set and costumes set the production firmly in time and place. Some of the staging lacked originality - examples being 'Rainbow High' and 'The Money Kept Rolling In'. 'Buenos Aires' was great (Rob Ashford's sharp choreography) as was 'Another Suitcase, Another Hall'. The simplicity of the latter was a lovely moment in the show; again, the lighting was stunning. Another highlight was Eva's balcony entrance. So much more dramatic than the original. She looked incredible in the dress, giving her entrance a 'dream-like' quality.

This production was very much from 'Eva's perspective; you got very little of the political undertones and this threw the actual story a little off-balance, particularly in 'A New Argentina', which lacked impact. As a result, the story missed much of its 'edge' and some of Che's dialogue didn't pack the punch it should have done. I understand that this production had to be as different as possible from the original and it really is and in many ways there is much to commend it. Overall, it will be interesting to see if others think this is the revival we've waited for.


(Edit - Oops, should've posted this on the West End Board)

Updated On: 6/4/06 at 04:25 AM

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 4:38am

What was the show curtain like? like the original?

[pattifan2]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 4:46am

Just a plain black screen with a photograph of 'Evita'. I missed that brilliant front cloth, you know.

[Glebb]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 10:04am

I'm glad you posted it here pattifan2!
Thanks. :)

[Chris T]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 11:02am

There is to be a CD of this production, only a single one, so there will be some cuts. It's due mid July, so it may already be recorded.

[C is for Company]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 12:08pm

Oh thanks for the info!

[ahimsa]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 12:58pm

Thanks for the advance. Any chance you'll get to go back to see how they tweak the show before opening? Che's commentary is so important. I hope its not minimized to the point where its solely about Eva.

How was the world tour staged?

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 6/6/06 at 2:26pm

Still sounds positive, despite the flaws inherent to this production, it seems...

[leeinlondon]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 4:39am

It only started previews Friday night so this is a VERY early preview they saw...perhaps 3rd ?. I am sure they will change the things that don't work to well especially A New Argentina which everyone is mentioning as weak.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 10:31am

Saturday night was 4th preview. 5th if you count the invited dress on the 1st June.

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 10:40am

When do we get poppy's review to bookend pattifan's?

[musical_devotee]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 6:10am

I'm seeing the show in August and am very looking foward to it.

I'm interested in a couple of things, so if any of you guys could answer it fot me:

1. Does this new production include "The lady's got potential"?

2. In "Lament", did they include that second verse that Eva sings? It is on the concept recording with Julie Covington, but it has been omitted in the stage productions so far. I always liked that part, since it gives a motivation to Eva, e.e., her need to be loved.

Thnx.

[Eastwickian]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 6:31am

1. No, 'The lady's got potential' isn't in the score as of Friday night

2. I don't recall that second verse being there, but I'm seeing it again on Saturday, so I'll listen out and let you know!

I have to say that I enjoyed the show, but it was lacking . . . something. I don't know what, and as I never saw the original production I can't compare it to that. The sets are great and the 18 piece orchestra sound full - I especially loved the more authentic orchestrations which finally bought a little spice into the songs!

Needless to say, Rob Ashford's choreography was wonderfully energetic, and the lighting perfectly complemented the action. The sound was also perfect, with a good actor/orchestra mix which meant every word could be heard clearly.

I'm a little worried about Elena Rogers' voice as she cracked on many notes, but made up for it with power, passion and intensity. My feelings towards Matt Rawle's Che changed with every scene - loved him in some songs, was baffled by some of his choices in others. Philip Quast turns in a typically flawless performance, and towards the end, you really felt how weak Peron was without Eva by his side.

Overall, a solid production of a good show, but maybe not the smash hit that other were expecting. And with Avenue Q, Wicked, Dirty Dancing and Spamalot all competing for theatregoers money in the coming months, it's unlkely to match the 8 years of the previous incarnation...

ETA: If anyone wants to see the marquee of the theatre, I have pictures in my fan photos...
Updated On: 6/30/06 at 06:31 AM

[algy]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 7:04am

Has anyone seen the Alternate Evita yet?

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 8:16am

This is great information/reviews! Thank you all

[musical_devotee]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 1:33pm

Thanks a lot. I have a 4th row seat and I hope I'll like it. Looking forward to hear about your second experience.

Elena Roger seems fine to me, at least in that Don't cry for me clip. Her Argentinian accent does take a while to get used to.

[mrkringas]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 2:11pm

I had the pleasure of seeing this production on saturday evening. Abbie Osman performed both shows as Elena is off until press night due to the strains of rehearsal, preview and recording the album.

I had zero complaints by the end of the first act! She rocked the part. She captures the fragile beauty of Eva and her gutsy transformation to wife of a dictator and cult of personality. She uses a crisp English accent rather than imitate Elena Roger and to my ear had far more power in her belt than Elaine Paige. Buenos Aires, New Argentina and Rainbow High all showed off her voice. Equally so though she had her tender moments too..something that perhaps Patti missed. She is a power dressing diva who believes in her own hype. I found her final scenes heartbreaking.

That may have been heightened by the wonderful Philip Quast as Peron. He has such presence! As soon as he makes his entrance you can feel the aura he brings. Yes they have ditched the iconic rocking chairs and done a sorta tango/dance/wrestle thing instead for Art of the Possible. Worked for me. Dont let the early preview fool you...the politics are very much still the core subtext of this show.

Che is a cynical, mocking commentator. He is not Guevara. During New Argentina we see the ballot box being interfered with after the ensemble cross down stage, male then female, to cast their votes. This gives the great visual of Eva's ascent as contrasted with all her fellow woman having to walk by the ballot with no vote to cast.

Matt Rawle is incredibly sexy as Che. He has grown into the characters and is always "On" whenever onstage even if not the focus of the action. He draws attention to the darker side of Eva and her husband's rise to power. The religious iconography is there in the second act. This all combines to give the final scenes so much emotional oomph. I remain unsure who I shed tears for? Was it the people, Eva, Peron? Not quite figured that out yet but I was certainly moved by it.

There are some fantastic ensemble members who bring such energy to the show. Its a combination of some real triple threats and some solid actors of all shapes and sizes who make a believable proletariat/military/whatever they need be!

Matt Rawle, Abbie Osman and Phihlip Quast all posses strong legit voices that deliver this score with aplomb. Hairs were standing up on my arms and neck at points. I love this score and I love the Patti and Florence Lacey recordings. But for all their strengths I never felt the entire cast measured up to their leading ladies. Mandy can annoy sometimes and lacks the power belt of Matt Rawle. More importantly this was my first production of Evita. Those recordings do not do justice to what was by all accounts a fab live performance.

I have read a lot about Hal Prince's production. It was groundbreaking from what I read. However there is no point in doing a revival unless you try something new. Give Michael Grandage a try. Dont bring baggage and enjoy the production on its own merit. Rob Ashford does indeed "sex up" (great phrase that does not just apply to dodgy WMD intell!) the choreography.

The set is reminiscent of Piazza except without it being in the "round". Ligthting got top marks from me. Eva's entrance on the Balcony in Act Two....WOW. Dazzling. It reminded me of the Angel's entrance in Angels in America for its sheer brilliance and awe. I should point out that I was sitting forward, centre stalls. This intimacy may have heightened my enjoyment of the production. I will be going back to see Elena Roger but on cheaper seats up in the balcony

Sorry for going on a bit. Do try and see this production. Abbie in the first act reminded me so much of Alice Ripley. Fingers crossed that ALW casts his old Betty Schaefer for the Broadway transfer!

[timote316]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 2:42pm

Wonderful reviews! I want to see this very badly - please transfer!

[Weez]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 3:59pm

My ticket arrived today. I'm so very very excited!

[Eastwickian]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 4:22am

Photos from the production here:

http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls====192564&nbc1=1

ETA: And here:

http://photo.wenn.com/index.php?ref=evita%2019.06.06 Updated On: 6/20/06 at 04:22 AM

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 6/21/06 at 1:14pm

Check this out!

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/100426.html

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 6/21/06 at 2:23pm

Wow, those photos are stunning. As I have no plans to go to London anytime soon, I'll have to be satisfied with the cast recording.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 6/21/06 at 5:28pm

I'm seeing it July 5 - Im excited!

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 6/21/06 at 8:53pm

Che isn't Che Guevara!?

YAY!!! I've always hated that about the show.

[Eastwickian]

Posted: 6/22/06 at 6:22am

Video clips now online at the official site:
http://www.evitathemusical.com/