‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina…’ Evita, Orchard Theatre, Dartford. 30.05.2017

After a couple of weeks apart it was back for another press night at the Orchard Theatre. Tonight’s viewing was the UK tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Tim Rice’s Musical Evita.

I took my seats in the upper circle, Row E seat 13, my view was fine with no obstructions, faces visible and the full stage seen throughout. Would recommend these seats for any productions at the Orchard.

Evita is a musical which concentrates on the life of  Argentine political leader Eva Perón (Evita), the second wife of Argentine President Juan Peron. The story is told through music, and songs written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice and follows Evita’s early life, her rise to power, charity work, and eventual lost too soon death.

I came into this musical not knowing much about the production, but only a few songs from the soundtrack such as ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina,’ ‘High Flying Adored’ and ‘Rainbow High‘ but the story was completely new to me. When watching the production the main storyline could be seen, however some of the plot was missed at times which left me confused as to what I was viewing at times. I think sadly this was due to the sound. Like most Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals most of the script is spoken (or sung for that matter) through song, and during th
is show the band at times would be much louder than the performers. This sadly meant some words are lost in translation and along with it some of the story line – for example during the ‘Goodnight and Thank you’ it was clear that Evita is having love affairs and breaking up with them, but it wasn’t clear to me who these love affair were with (producers, and agents that helped up move up the social ladder as a model, radio star, and actress) – until I read up on the musical after my viewing. It was hard to keep up at times which was a disappointing, but I’m sure to those who know the musical very well may have thought differently. So I do recommend if you don’t know this musical before viewing to read a little up on it first to support.

That being said what made this show was its performers, all of whom played an excellent part in the production. Tonight’s cast was:

Evita – Emma Hatton

Che – Gian Marco Schiaretti

Peron – Kevin Stephen-Jones

Mistress – Sarah O’Connor

Malgaldi – Oscar Balmaseda

Although there is a little named cast in this production, it is still held together with an amazing chorus each of whom have their own role to play throughout the musical. They supported the show beautiful with pristine and snappy dance steps – not a foot wrong was seen, but also the emotion throughout was held strong about the publics views of the political events happening in their country by Peron, and Evita. Special mentions go to Sarah O’Connor who plays Peron’s Mistress (Peron’s first wife) her voice was such a delight to listen to with her number ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’. It was defiantly a favourite of mine.

Gian Marco Schiaretti takes on the role of Che, the narrator of the musical who is on the stage for the duration of the show. Such a high demand part, but Gian takes it in his stride and makes it look easy. HIs voice so strong, displaying each emotion in each line that he was singing. I was surprised to see that this was his first time within the UK touring as his previous productions were based around Europe. I hope that this is the start of further roles to come, id be shocked if there wasn’t!

Political couple Peron, and Evita were played by Kevin, and Emma. Both perfectly suited in their roles. Peron an ambitious military colonel, and yet we also see a loving husband at the end towards Evita, brilliantly displayed by Kevin and their relationship worked well together. Emma Hatton has the attitude, moves, looks, and boy what a voice for the role of Evita. Her ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ was warming to the ears, and from the heart she was lovely to watch and stole the show throughout.

I am happy that I have finally seen another of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic Musicals. Having gone in fresh faced and not knowing what to expect (except from some remarks of my family and friends who have seen it), I came away from the theatre wanting to learn more about the show, and Evita. I would say that this show is not for all ages and see it more for the older generation who can understand story better than those of the younger generation – but this is just my opinion. With such a powerful story and one that currently in ways we can relate to with our current election due at the beginning of June.

Evita will be playing at the Orchard Theatre until Saturday 3rd June, for ticket information go here. It will then continue to embark on its UK tour at its final destination of Blackpool.