Jamie Lloyd-helmed EVITA revival to play the London Palladium in 2025- Page 14

[theblackumbrella]

Posted: 6/16/25 at 10:47am

Could Hadestown move to a different theater so Evita could use the Kerr? Is it the type of thing where the Evita producers would have to pay for the relocation - set, etc. for the new theater.

[BJR]

Posted: 6/16/25 at 11:38am

binau said: "rosscoe(au) said: I think this is a fair question, but if you saw the show you wouldn'task it trust me haha. It all makes sense in the context. As others have picked up, the blonde wig and costume is part of the theatrical device about how artificial and fake she is. We actually see her take the wig off after the song. So what the 'public' see - warm, lyrical, sweet, made up in a beautiful wig and gown, is in fact all an act. What we see on screen is Eva manipulating the public (who are all crowding around lapping up - LITERALLY I mean look at the videos filmed from outside. It's like that white bear episode of Blackmirror where everyone has their phones up they can't help it, they can't turn away).it's all fake so it even seems fitting that it is on screen and not real. What we, the audience, see is the 'real' Eva. Cold, calculating, ambitious, starving for fame. It's almost sickening to watch her "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" because we know how fake it all is.




Note: We can't actually obviously see how big the crowd is from the inside, they don't show us. I only knew it was big because I saw it crowding at intermission (I guess what you'd expect for first preview). I assume that they can't predict there will always be crowds so they can't build in a crowd shot by default, but if they could/if it turns out there is a small crowd each day I think it would be chilling if they did."

This is brilliant. And it makes me remember how Tim Rice always talk about how Don’t Cry… is all a lie, that it’s a lovers song with a politician speaking a bunch of empty rhetoric and stringing it to together to make the crowd love her. Indeed the original lyric and title was It’s Only Your Lover Returning. 

And I’ve always wondered, with that in mind, how could one play that as a lie. Famously, like with Marry Me a Little, it’s very hard to lie in a song. 
 

But this would do it. And theatricalize it. Brilliant. 

[getatme]

Posted: 6/16/25 at 11:45am

I've been told the earliest this would come is early 2027. ALW won't want to have Evita competing against Cats at the Tonys next year and Jamie is booked with other work fall 2026. Possible things change, but as of now that's the plan.

The Kerr is far too small for any production of Evita.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 6/16/25 at 2:07pm

BorisTomashevsky said: "I can’t see this using any outdoor part of the Beaumont. The roof is about 8 stories off the ground and that’s the only place that’s anything like a balcony. Unless they’re meaning the internal lobby balcony, but there’s not a hint of the architecture or “outdoors” that the moment calls for. And there’d be zero crowd.

Realistically it’s just the Kerr. Both the St James and Majestic are too close to 8th Avenue and all its craziness/sirens/motorbikes. The moment would be ruined throughout. At least the Kerr is a bit more sheltered and is far from the frenetic energy of the mid-40 streets."

 

The Kerr is sheltered?  There's a fire station on the corner a few hundred feet away!  The August Wilson would be a bit more on the quieter side -- plus they'll have to renovate anyway after CABARET closes.

 

[binau]

Posted: 6/16/25 at 2:21pm

Some more thoughts on what it was like to hear Rachel's vocals for the first time:

The first moment it kind of clicked that something special was happening here for me was on the lines:

"Screw the middle classes!! I will never accept them!!! And they will never deny me anything again."

Rachel ferociously belts this with a very controlled strong vibrato in Patti's original keys, and unlike the OBC there is a distinct pause of a few seconds after "deny me again" before the next phrase. It's kind of like a "omg did that just really come out of her?" everyone shocked in stunned silence type moment. The quality of her voice makes it far less screechy than I have heard elsewhere including the OBC. 

Then, Rachel sings and dances 'Beunos Aires' in like a full pop production number style. But she has such star presence and talent that it doesn't feel like there is an actor there doing it 'in the style of', it feels like we literally have a superstar such as Ariana Grande or something performing the song. Rachel is so natural at home and born for the stage. It's like she is just metaphorically skating around the notes/dancing, and making it all look easy. And she goes for high notes at the end. 

For "A New Argentina" - which is a great moment in the production generally - very intense, a lot of red and electric guitar.......Rachel is incredible with the very high "He supports you, for he loves" (but because she has a bit of strength in her voice it doesn't sound so screechy), and then when she goes down to the low note "I've suffered the way that you DOOOOOOOOO" "and I've starved and I hated it TOOOOOO" the best description of the sound is it's like Betty Buckley belting. It's very unusual to hear a 25 sound like this, I think. And I just wasn't expecting the 'sweet girl' voice from West Side story to be able to do this. 

Everyone can see the full clip of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" and judge for themselves. I do think it being performed outside the theatre where we are observing Eva manipulate the public (rather than us being part of the public and being swept up in her charisma) does slightly keep the emotion associated with the song at a distance, but I do love the dramatic effect of it. 

One moment that was particularly special though was actually the orchestra break after she sings every word is "trueee".....the orchestra was honestly SO loud. And the brass sounding instruments are like vibrating to the entire ear. I've never heard an orchestra so amplified in my life, including Sunset. It was absolutely deafening, maybe a little too loud but it was hard not to be moved by it especially knowing Andrew Lloyd Webber was just a few rows probably lapping it up too haha. 

For "Rainbow High" they have a small Nicole HOMEEEEEEE at last moment (not quite). I'mmmmmm THEIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR SAVIOR that's what they call me. 

I was reading some reddit reactions (god I need to stop myself) to the idea of Rachel winning the Tony for this role because obviously there is some early buzz, and of course someone had to say they don't like the idea a Hollywood type winning. All I'll say to that is - based on this performance Rachel is NOT a Hollywood type. She is a stage actress that would put most to shame. The production almost needs her more than she needs the production, I think - sure you might be able to find a theatre actress who can do the movements or sing the songs (hopefully as well, but likely not) - but to find the talent AND that 'x-factor' thing that makes someone a star, I don't know if there is anyone else right now in this moment who could do this. 

My only main fear is just the longevity - without much stage experience she might be giving too much and need to learn to dial it back, and she is doing 8 shows per week for the most part (there is an alternate but they are only scheduled for about 4 shows). I just don't know how someone can sustain this, or do two shows a day. 

In many ways I think Jamie Lloyd and the cast could stop developing the show now and just focus on sustaining it. It's not just a problem for the singing it's also the high energy dancing. Seems very easy for someone to slip and injure themselves. It is not easy work, they make it look easy because they are so talented. 

 

 

 

Updated On: 6/16/25 at 02:21 PM

[binau]

Posted: 6/16/25 at 3:06pm

Oh look we are being discussed at 'that other board'  

Updated On: 6/16/25 at 03:06 PM

[Rentaholic2]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 12:17pm

Is "The Lady's Got Potential" in this production?  I didn't realize it was cut from most productions except the concept album and the movie.  Anyone know way?  It's such a banger.  

[FolliesCabaret]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 1:04pm

There are some clips of A New Argentina online, am I mistaken in seeing Rachel as Eva (and the ensemble) doing Nazi salutes as the red lights flash during the chorus? If so, that is so ridiculously cool and something I have always wanted in a production of Evita - for someone to accurately portray her as the Nazi sympathizer she (and her husband) were. As a Jewish person especially, that visual alone is so frightening. And again, very, very cool.

Just got done listening to audio from first preview (sorry mods) and Rachel is just in incredible voice. I've never heard the score sung like this. She is a force. Cannot wait for this to transfer.

[binau]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 3:02pm

Minor controversy eruption over the balcony scene

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/jun/17/evita-rachel-zegler-west-end-balcony-scene-dont-cry-for-me-argentina

All I'll say to any hate directed to Jamie Lloyd or Rachel Z - people were wrong about Sunset and Nicole, and if anyone is making preconceptions about this show and Rachel I think they are also making the same mistake. The production, and Rachel Z, are a revelation. 

I don't know if I ever want to listen to Patti sing the score again now. It's hard to listen when I now have heard how it should be sung!! 

Updated On: 6/17/25 at 03:02 PM

[Bwaygurl2]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 3:28pm

binau said: "Minor controversy eruption over the balcony scene

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/jun/17/evita-rachel-zegler-west-end-balcony-scene-dont-cry-for-me-argentina

All I'll say to any hate directed to Jamie Lloyd or Rachel Z - people were wrong about Sunset and Nicole, and if anyone is making preconceptions about this show and Rachel I think they are also making the same mistake. The production, and Rachel Z, are a revelation.

I don't know if I ever want to listen to Patti sing the score again now. It's hard to listen when I now have heard how it should be sung!!"

 

I watched the"Rainbow High" clip floating around, and I'm very impressed, but for me, only Patti sings this song like I want to hear it. Specifically the word "hiiiiiigh" that's repeated. Rachel goes into head voice with an exciting vibrato, she sounds great, but Patti has that ability to go into head voice and still somehow sound like full chest voice (I remember her discussing the end of "Being Alive" with Seth Rudestky and him being shocked when she told him she went into head voice because it sounded so belty). I'm not even sure what Patti's placement is on that "hiiiiiigh" on the cast recording, but it just sounds so fierce and ballsy. No one else that I've heard dies that, including Elaine Page or Caroline Bowman (on tour). I totally understand the need to protect the voice and using head voice helps, but it just isn't the same. 

That being said I think Rachel is fantastic and I appreciate reading your detailed reports!

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 3:29pm

I can only imagine the unemployed directors out there who have wonderful ideas for Evita stagings looking at Jamie and thinking he’s just repeating the equivalent of a final year directing project with his cameras and outside stuff, and that they’d be right to be peeved about it. 

[FolliesCabaret]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 3:32pm

BorisTomashevsky said: "I can only imagine the unemployed directors out there who have wonderful ideas for Evita stagings looking at Jamie and thinking he’s just repeating the equivalent of afinal year directing project with his cameras and outside stuff, and that they’d be right to be peeved about it."

Are the imaginary angry unemployed directors in the room with us right now?

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 3:33pm

Watching these clips on-line (though I still haven't found Rainbow High if someone would like to share...), I went from being on the fence about going next week to wanting to see it twice.  No just trying to fit it in the schedule...

[kdogg36]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 5:38pm

Rentaholic2 said: "Is "The Lady's Got Potential" in this production? I didn't realize it was cut from most productions except the concept album and the movie. Anyone know way? It's such a banger."

I think there are two reasons. First, the fact that it is indeed such a banger makes it stand out from the overall musical texture of the score, which otherwise includes a mix of lush melody and jagged dissonance but nothing that could be considered rock-and-roll. Second, the song, as originally written, refers to some very specific biographical facts about Che Guevara (insecticide!), and the writers (wisely, I think) decided to abandon that conceit in favor of portraying Che as an unspecified neutral observer. (Though the reference of Che's age spanning "from 17 to 24" during Eva's public career, which lines up with Guevara, remains in "Oh What a Circus.")

The movie changed the lyrics to avoid the second problem; I suppose a stage version could do the same, but that would probably mean dropping "The Art of the Possible," which covers much of the same territory in depicting Peron's rise to power. I believe that the latter song was written at Harold Prince's request to provide a more metaphorical and theatrical way to portray this part of the story. I imagine a stage director would probably have to choose between the two.

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 5:47pm

BorisTomashevsky said: "I can only imagine the unemployed directors out there who have wonderful ideas for Evita stagings looking at Jamie and thinking he’s just repeating the equivalent of afinal year directing project with his cameras and outside stuff, and that they’d be right to be peeved about it."

Have you seen the production? I’m sure you have not, thus rendering your comment moot. 

[DAME]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 6:13pm

Always interesting to see the back and forth with people that have not seen a show.  I don't blame them.  One wants to get involved.  But pretty much all you can offer to the conversation is second hand shade with a side of baloney.  I think that is why this board has a tendency to be so toxic.  

[Idiot]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 6:35pm

I'm conflicted.

Seeing stills and videos from this production, Lloyd's style seems to fit EVITA better than it did SUNSET.  (Maybe because this staging reminds me of the Hal Prince staging?  I dunno.)  On the other hand, doing the exact same thing - but this time, with stairs! - strikes me as the opposite of 'visionary'.  It makes me wonder who'll be in black underwear covered in schmutz at the end of GODOT.  Pozzo?

[MezzA101]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 7:07pm

Paying Evita audience upset as Don’t Cry delivered offstage to West End passersby for free

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/jun/17/evita-rachel-zegler-west-end-balcony-scene-dont-cry-for-me-argentina

[smallvillefan16]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 7:37pm

Anyone else think Ariana DeBrose will be offered Broadway if she's now available?  Rachel is a very talented singer but I can't imagine American audiences clamoring to see her.  She's one of the least liked actors in America--- Ariana is loved by the public and broadway. 

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 7:40pm

smallvillefan16 said: "Anyone else think Ariana DeBrose will be offered Broadway if she's now available? Rachel is a very talented singer but I can't imagine American audiences clamoring to see her. She's one of the least liked actors in America--- Ariana is loved by the public and broadway."

I think the Romeo + Juliet grosses would say otherwise, and I don't think DeBose is well liked enough to be considered as much of a draw

[gibsons2]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 7:46pm

smallvillefan16 said: "Anyone else think Ariana DeBrose will be offered Broadway if she's now available? Rachel is a very talented singer but I can't imagine American audiences clamoring to see her. She's one of the least liked actors in America--- Ariana is loved by the public and broadway."

Nobody knows or cares about Ariana beyond Broadway. She's never been in a movie that wasn't a flop. She has no fanbase. Rachel got a lot of negative media attention but she's far more famous (and frankly, talented) and R&J financial success was a testament to it. And her voice is beyond stunning in those West End balcony videos. 

Updated On: 6/17/25 at 07:46 PM

[QueenAlice]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 8:34pm

smallvillefan16 said: "Anyone else think Ariana DeBrose will be offered Broadway if she's now available? Rachel is a very talented singer but I can't imagine American audiences clamoring to see her. She's one of the least liked actors in America--- Ariana is loved by the public and broadway."

Not a chance in hell

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 8:42pm

smallvillefan16 said: "Anyone else think Ariana DeBrose will be offered Broadway if she's now available? Rachel is a very talented singer but I can't imagine American audiences clamoring to see her. She's one of the least liked actors in America--- Ariana is loved by the public and broadway."

Incorrect. Try again. 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 8:49pm

smallvillefan16 said: "Anyone else think Ariana DeBrose will be offered Broadway if she's now available? Rachel is a very talented singer but I can't imagine American audiences clamoring to see her. She's one of the least liked actors in America--- Ariana is loved by the public and broadway."


C’mon, now.

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 6/17/25 at 11:36pm

Play Esq. said: "Watching these clips on-line (though I still haven't found Rainbow High if someone would like to share...), I went from being on the fence about going next week to wanting to see it twice. No just trying to fit it in the schedule..."

Got into next Sat eve performance (strangely, lots of availability but my Tuesday performance is all but sold out). Going to be kinda jarring going from a lesser Sondheim (Here We Are…don’t fight me, we all know it’s true) to, arguably, Webber’s best (thank you Tim Rice). 

Now I’m debating leaving during intermission for the second Evita performance I booked to see the balcony scene live 🤔