Evita at Stirling Theatre

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Posted 2024-03-04 by groover ⇒ follow

Fri 26 Apr 2024 - Sat 11 May 2024

Danielle Battista as Eva Perón in the musical Evita.

The world-famous Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical Evita is coming to Stirling Theatre. Directed by Jane Sherwood, the show chronicles the rise of Argentinian First Lady Eva – otherwise known as Evita.

Beloved by the people of Argentina, she became first lady at age 27 when her husband Juan Perón was elected president but, just six years later, died of cancer. With captivating melodies including Don't Cry for Me Argentina, the musical Evita delves into her controversial journey from poverty to power.

Danielle Battista, left, and Tamar Boyajian dance up a storm in the musical Evita.

“I have always loved this show, after seeing it in the 1980s,” Jane said. “When I decided I was ready to tackle another musical, this was my first choice.”

Involved with the Perth theatre scene since 2005, Jane was a founding member of Phoenix Theatre and has been involved with the Old Mill, Stirling, Black Swan, Rag and Bone, Kwinana and Harbour Theatres, A lad in sane productions, ARENAarts, Life on Hold Productions, Fringe World, FiFi Productions and the Short+Sweet festival.

Morgan Halket is Juan Perón’s mistress in Evita.

She has been named best director at the annual Finley Awards, Dramafest, South West Drama Festival, Hills Festival of Theatre and Harbour Theatre Awards. More recently, Jane has appeared in Lady Willpower, Kate’s Story and The Actress, as well as the web series Slippery Business.

With her latest production, the main challenge is the size of the 26-strong cast. “Evita is almost entirely sung, making it a challenge both vocally and in staging,” Jane said. “The show also covers many times and places very quickly, which has added to the challenges while keeping it interesting and moving.”

Magaldi {Johan Anwar, left} and Che {Kevin Winder} don’t see eye to eye in Evita.

Kevin Winder plays Che, the narrator of the show. “Having been a huge fan of Evita for decades, this is my dream role in my favourite musical. Over 35 years ago, I would listen to the seven-inch record of Don’t Cry For Me Argentina from the initial concept album (prior to it going on stage in London West End for the first time).

“I identify as a gay man and am proud to be part of the LGBTQIAA+ community. Evita the musical has a huge gay fan base and Madonna is a huge gay icon. I am a huge fan of Kylie Minogue, who I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with just over a year ago. However, I was also a fan of Madonna from a young age.

Eva Perón {Danielle Battista, far left} in Evita with her adoring Argentinian people and Che {Kevin Winder}, the show's narrator, on the staircase.

“I became a huge fan of the 1996 film version of Evita, starring Madonna as Eva Perón and with Antonio Banderas in the role of Che. I saw the movie at the cinema tens of times and had the VHS video, which I have watched repeatedly, in addition to the movie soundtrack that I’ve listened to literally hundreds of times.”

Originally from the UK, Kevin’s background in theatre started as a teenager in his hometown with performances in David and Goliath, Oliver! and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. As an adult, his main experience has included singing and small drag performances for family and friends.

Che {Kevin Winder} pauses for thought in Evita.

“There is a significant gap in my experience because life and career got in the way, in addition to a very serious car accident in 2008, which left me very disabled for several years,” Kevin said. “At one stage I was 50kg heavier and relied on disability equipment and support workers. I was heavily medicated for pain and told by doctors that I may never get well or work again.

“It has been a long, hard road to recovery, which included migrating to Australia 10 years ago. This was part of what helped me to get well again, largely due to the warmer climate. In Australia, I have been fortunate enough to regain my health, re-establish my career, lose the 50kg, embark on study I never thought possible and now to be playing Che… all dreams coming true that I never would have thought possible at one time!

Sophia Amsha left, Mark Dyer, Tamar Boyajian, Ann Speicher, Johan Anwar, Jenaea Barrett and Michael Hewson form part of the chorus in Evita.

“I’m very grateful and humbled to be part of this show, alongside such an incredible cast, director, musical director and choreographer. Jane’s vision is amazing, our Evita (Danielle Battista) is exceptional and we are all working really hard to do justice to such an iconic show and to give audiences a great experience.”

Evita plays at 7.30pm April 26, 27, May 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 with 2pm matinees April 28 and May 5. Tickets are $25, $22 concession and $20 members – book at trybooking.com/CKYZT . Stirling Theatre is at 25 Morris Place, Innaloo.