VIDEO: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Evita’ hits the Teatro stage

FOURWAYS – Local theatre lovers are in for a treat as Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Evita begins its run at Montecasino. Read more here.

October 25, 2017

Robyn Kirk 1 minute read

Emma Kingston performed 'What's New Buenos Aires', which tells the story of Eva Peron when she first arrived in Argentina's capital at aged 15. Photo: Robyn Kirk

The production Evita, created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, will be performed at The Teatro, Montecasino from 13 October to 26 November.

The musical tells the story of Eva Duarte Peron, national icon and First Lady of Argentina who passed away due to cervical cancer aged only 33. Set during the years 1934 until her death in 1952, the production tells Peron’s story from humble beginnings as an illegitimate child from a poor village, to famous actress to one of the most politically powerful women in Latin American history and a woman beloved by her people.

Jonathan Roxmouth (who plays Che) and Emma Kingston (who plays Eva Peron) answer questions from the media. Photo: Robyn Kirk

Jonathan Roxmouth and Emma Kingston performed the song ‘High Flying, Adored’ from Evita during a media call at Montecasino on 17 October. Photo: Robyn Kirk

Evita has a cast of 27, including South Africans, Jonathan Roxmouth playing the role of Che and Robert Finlayson, who plays President Juan Peron.

Starring in the title role is British actress Emma Kingston, who was personally chosen by theatre legend Andrew Lloyd Webber for the role.

“It takes a very special actress to play this role, especially musically speaking,” said Dan Kutner, assistant director of the play when speaking about Kingston.

Kingston herself told journalists in the days leading up to the opening night that she was absolutely mortified by the audition tape that she sent in, and was convinced she would not be given the role. “So it was a nice surprise when I was told,” she explained. She also added that she has found the role challenging. “To play a character who is ill is unbelievably exhausting during a two-hour show,” she said.

Dan Kutner is the assistant director of this run of Evita, while Kim Jordan is the assistant choreographer. Photo: Robyn Kirk

Emma Kingston plays the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, currently showing at The Teatro, Montecasino. Photo: Robyn Kirk

The iconic drama’s run in South Africa is being directed by 21-time Tony Award winner, Hal Prince and features choreography by Larry Fuller, who worked on the original West End and Broadway performances in the 1970s.

Details: www.tsogosun.com/montecasino/whatson/teatro/evita