Photo Flash: First Look at EVITA's Stars - Ricky Martin, Elena Roger & Michael Cerveris; Previews Start March 12- Page 4

[SkyeBlue]

Posted: 10/31/11 at 5:40pm

I grew up listening to Evita and it's always been a favorite - it became even more so when I decided to research the real Eva Peron for a school project and learned about the complexities of the real person. And complex is the key word - she definitely was one of those political figures whom her people either despised or adored. And she died so young with such mystery surrounding her death, that it left so much room for myth and legend about her life and rise to power to come into play. Hence all the villainizing. Obviously the addition of the song "You Must Love Me" was added to the film to further soften her edges. But even though I never saw the original stage version, I think you can tell in the lyrics and Patti's singing that while on the surface she was tough and hard as nails - hardly a one-dimensional bitch. (I never really liked the addition of "You Must Love Me" as I never really liked Juan very much real-life and otherwise.)

I've never been able to see a stage production of Evita and was so excited when I saw it is coming back to Broadway! Even though I've spent probably near decades listening to the original cast recording and to me, Patti LuPone is Evita - I had no prejudice against anyone else in the role.

But I have to say that since watching YouTube videos of Elena Roger I'm not won over or convinced yet. I see what people are saying here about her not being a diva belter and that she tends to shout and shriek. And I'm not convinced yet she has the stage presence - to win me over anyway.

To me, Evita is not just a diva role - but THE diva role. Come on - the ad says "The first lady of Broadway returns." The real-life Eva Peron started as a poor, illegitimate, no one and rose to the status of Saint-hood in the eyes of many people in her country. She could have been the first female Vice President in Argentina if she hadn't died (I'm still pissed and bitter for her that Juan's new wife won that role). She had to have the charisma and the "it" factor - and the bitch or diva or whateverness - that would get her there. She got on the radio and on stages and won over the masses. Whoever plays Evita has to have that "it" factor and win over audiences every night on stage.

I'm just not won over by Elena Roger yet. But I sure won't miss the opportunity to see this show and see Evita for the first time because of that - I am giving her a chance.

[FritzW]

Posted: 11/2/11 at 5:54pm

Patti LuPone did not replace Julie Covington in the Australian Evita.

Patti joined the original Australian company in summer 1981 when the original Eva of that company, Jennifer Murphy, could not continue in the role due to vocal strain and the original alternate, Mariette Rupps, had to leave due to pregnancy. The understudy, Camille Gardner, also was due to leave the company. Patti was brought in as a temporary replacement.

Julie Covington dropped out of the 1989 Australian revival. She was replaced by the late Stephanie Lawrence who played the role in the West End for several years and, of course, appeared on Broadway/West End in Blood Brothers.

Here is a mention of it from Playbill - scroll to the bottom.

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/34620-Ken-Mandelbaums-AISLE-VIEW-Only-a-Decade-Ago

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 11/2/11 at 7:01pm

Here is a video of the cast performing Buenos Aires at Children in Need 2006. I personally think Elena sounds absolutely amazing, but I know lots on here disagree
Here it is if you are interested...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHnQUxfkMsM