Playhouse production of ‘Evita’ packs in talent

Angelique Flores

The cast of “Evita” packed in the talent and a full house at the

Huntington Beach Playhouse on Saturday night.

The musical, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, is a tale

chronicling the life of the infamous Argentine Evita Peron. Told entirely

through song and dance, the story follows the impoverished young woman in

her small hometown in 1934 until her death in Buenos Aires.

In between, she uses her beauty, charm and ambition to climb the ladder

of success, first as a model, then an actress and finally as the wife of

Gen. Juan Peron. When her husband is elected president, Evita becomes the

most powerful woman in South America at age 27.

As the First Lady, Evita establishes the Eva Peron Foundation to benefit

the working class. Quickly gaining the love of the working people, she

just as quickly meets opposition from the military and aristocracy. She

dies of uterine cancer at 33.

Directed by Kysa Cohen, one of Orange County’s most prestigious

directors, the production offered spirited acting and vocal performances.

Wendy Michaels shines in her performance as Evita Peron, bringing the

legendary woman to life. Both her voice and acting talent graced the

stage while singing the musical numbers, including the internationally

acclaimed “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina.” Her strong voice mirrored the

strength of the character and carried throughout the playhouse.

Brad Hoffner’s portrayal of Che Guevara was of equal merit. Even when not

at the center of the scene, he maintains a strong presence on the stage.

Marching from the center stage to the top of the balcony, his expressive

movements and expressions took command of the audience.

Jamie Alvarez’s performance as the crooner who has an affair with the

young Evita also adds a touch of spice to the character, Augustin

Migaldi. Alvarez’s velvety voice fits perfectly with the Elvis-like stage

persona.

Jon Sparks also has a solid performance as Juan Peron. His robust vocals

make a good match for those of Michaels in their duets.

Ana Maria Gedney, Juan Peron’s mistress, has a sweet voice to gather

sympathy after being thrown out by the general.The stage crew managed the

theater’s small stage well, using slides of the real Evita Peron during

several of the songs.

Though the singing and acting was superb, the choreography was a little

shy of the same quality, mostly due to movement timing.

“Evita” will be performed at the Huntington Beach Playhouse through this

weekend.

FYI

WHAT: “Evita”

WHEN: Today through Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.

WHERE: The Huntington Beach Playhouse, lower level of the Central Library

and Cultural Center, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach

COST: Tickets are $13 to $15

CALL: 375-0696