You Guys are SO JUDGY! (I just saw Evita)- Page 3

[PapaGe]

Posted: 7/23/12 at 10:44am

For me it wasn't so much a matter of not being able to understand Elena's accent, partly because I know the show very well, but of feeling that Elena didn't sound comfortable singing the words. I'm referring not only to her being unable to hit the notes (which happened multiple times in the performance I saw), but also to her giving the general sense that the words were not coming easily to her. This bothered me a lot because Eva is supposed to be first a radio personality and then a public speaker, someone who can win the approbation of the masses with her words. Elena sounded like she was struggling to pronounce everything she said.

My biggest complaint about her was that she butchered the lyrics to "Waltz for Eva and Che" when I saw it (starting with a later verse and then basically making up words until she found her feet again many bars in). It was the second preview, but still--she's done the role long enough that that should never have happened, and for me it ruined what was already a lackluster performance.

[Dangerous Jade]

Posted: 7/23/12 at 2:14pm

Diva Talk with Christina DeCicco:

Question: I imagine Elena's run is limited because of Actors' Equity… Has there been any talk of who will take over for her?

DeCicco: I don't know. There hasn't been any chatter. [Laughs.] I think we're still basking in the beginning — the honeymoon stage — of our show. Of course, I would absolutely love to. I'm always ready to take on a challenge, but we'll see what the future brings. I guess, as an actor, you just have to be ready for anything.


How long would an Equity contract be for?

[broadwaydevil]

Posted: 7/23/12 at 2:24pm

Not to get too off topic but Equity not allowing Elaine Paige to come with the production had nothing to do with a xenophobic sentiment. Rather, she technically is not allowed to perform in a Broadway show if she isn't a member of Equity. Equity granted an exception for Roger but they don't always. It's completely their decision to make. There are Americans who can't perform in Equity roles because they aren't Equity too.

[DEClarke]

Posted: 7/30/12 at 6:37pm

I loved Roger as Eva! Max Von Essen, Ricky Martin, Rachel Potter, and Michael Cerveris were all great in my opinion too. I really enjoyed this production. I especially loved the set! It was so big and detailed. Bravo to the set design team and the laborers that painted it. Bravo to the team that designed and hung the lights too. Lighting in this show is immaculate! WOW! Costumes are great too. I think this is a stellar production of a fantastic score. I was impressed and loved every minute of the show!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/30/12 at 11:39pm

No LuPone, no EVITA.

Thank you very much.

[oasisjeff]

Posted: 7/31/12 at 4:37pm

I was curious about her Eva after reading stuff on here, too, but had a weird chance to see two performances in one week. One without Ricky (deep discount), and one with (not much of a discount)... so, I was a bit curious to see Elena.

The first time I saw her, a Saturday night, it didn't take long before I thought "OMG, all those Broadway World posters are right. She's terrible, and can barely stay on the beat. What is going on?"

Then I saw her the following Wednesday night, and she was phenomenal, owned the stage, and I was completely floored.

So, I think she's just inconsistent, as it is known as a vocally-demanding role. But I don't think people are wrong about her performance. It just depends on the night they saw her.

[jv92]

Posted: 7/31/12 at 11:22pm

Someone mentioned Josefina Scaglione in WEST SIDE STORY.

The difference between Scaglione and Elena Roger is that the former was charming, understandable and sang like a canary. Ms. Roger, for all of her talents, did not charm me (not that Eva really should, but anyway...), had difficulty with pronunciation and sang poorly.

It's EVITA! It's a sung-through musical meant to be sung well, or at least, with intensity and power. Having an okay singer as Eva is very odd, IMO. It's like casting Maria Callas as Desiree in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. (I hope you're all smart enough to get that final remark.)