Saw Jessica on the Saturday matinee. I'll try to give tons of details but if you have questions just ask.
I was planning on seeing the show when JLP was on anyways, but for some reason I was just so excited to see her in the role. I had also never been in the Marquis, and I actually liked the theater! The stage is a great height, and I was in the front center orchestra. To start off, I actually thought Ricky was solid. Just solid. His best song was definitely Money Kept Rolling In. Jessica was revealed as Eva and looked great! She definitely showed presence right from the get go. Now, I have been a student of hers, and thinking back to her classes, it was actually surreal to see her playing Eva Peron on Broadway. I do think she needed time to warm up to the show and the audience, but by the dance break of Buenos Aires it was there. I'm sure she's the strongest dancer out of the other three women. She is just mesmerizing to watch. She was a little off vocally on Good Night and Thank You, but I think she knew and it will come with time. Her I'd Be Surprisingly Good for you was great, though. Thought Cerveris was a great actor and provided amazing vocals! This was my first time seeing Evita and I had no idea the Mistress is actually only in one scene. Rachel did a great job, though. They couldn't have put her in the ensemble for anything? Anyways, Jessica looked amazing in all of the costumes, but I think my favorite was the military one in A New Argentina. I think this was one of her top 3 songs if not best. She had sung well previously, but her belt was pure and easy to understand and listen to. She hit all the notes and more, and the acting was right there. After each of her "he supports you, for he loves you, understands you, is one of you..." moments, she got individual applause. Don't know if that usually happens. At intermission people were surprised she was the understudy and it seemed to be known that it was only her second time on.
I'll make it a tiny bit easier to read by splitting up the acts. Right when she walked out on the Casa Rosada, she looked stunning. She did a great rendition of Don't Cry... Ricky sung High Flying, Adored so well, I just wish his acting and performance was as strong. I think his voice is perfect for Che, but he just makes this face the whole time and thinks it passes. Rainbow High was another strong one for Jessica, well sung and performed. And the Money Kept Rolling In was the best dance number in the show. I couldn't decide who to watch! Nick Kenkel, Bahiyah, Kristine Covillo, Aleks Pevek, Ashley Amber, just too many to name were so entertaining. Jessica also really showed Eva's transformation, and I really was understanding not only the show but the story of Peron's life. The second act was much stronger than the first act in terms of acting for Jessica, and I thought she was great in the first act! Cerveris did not do the "NOOO!" which some have mentioned, but I liked the subtleness that still showed serious concern and worry for Eva. Montage was very sad but will played by Jessica. She got tons of applause at curtain call and had moments with Ricky and Michael.
Over all, she nailed it. I thought she was talented before, mainly as a dancer, but now I found a whole new respect for her career as a triple threat and hope she starts booking some lead roles! Hope she gets to go on more often. I had seen Nice Work the night before and thought that they had a great ensemble, but I think Evita wins. Rob Ashford always manages to get the best possible combination of dancers. They really just performed with their and sold the show.
Side notes: I thought the equity requirement was to have covers posted in 2/3 ways? Does this apply to chorus contracts? Jennie Ford was in for JLP and Jason Lee Garrett was also clearly in for Daniel Torres and there was no mention of their, both on the board or by slip. I think there might have been one more out too as I recall seeing Matt Wall.
Updated On: 7/16/12 at 12:25 AM
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