There was really only one thing I did not like about this production - in the first act everyone seemed to be screaming rather than singing- a great pity since the music is great. Maybe it was a problem with the mikes because it did not happen in the second act.
The audience loved it and gave a standing ovation - I would not go that far. Great performances by Chilina Kennedy (Evita) and Josh Young (Che). Juan Chioran was fine as Peron, but it is actually quite a small part.
I love the music in this show and am always happy when I can leave a musical singing.
The director Gary Griffin also directed the acclaimed West Side Story last year, which we did not see.
Evita has several great songs and repeats themes for continuity like an old-time musical - a good thing! I like the lyrics that have more bite than I expect from a Webber/Rice show.
ReplyDeleteThe singing in this production was harsh in the first half, but the orchestra sounded discordant too. I don't know whether this was an artistic decision, or some general problem with this performance (which was late starting).
Kennedy has been fun at Shaw (we didn't see WSS, as Cathy mentioned) but didn't seem to have the presence to explain the Evita legend. Madonna was a better choice for the movie version. Young was the dominant personality in this production.
Overall, enjoyable, but not great.