Evita-Musical Production
Evita was a very well rounded musical production. All aspects of the production, including the singing, dancing, lighting, scenic design, and stage projections produced a great show. Not only were the actors on stage talented, but the use of light and video projection enhanced the performance and was one of the highlights throughout the show. I specifically enjoyed when the white curtain became the train of Evita’s dress and was used as a projection screen while it was attached to her. I have seen many shows where images/videos have been projected against curtains or hard surfaces, but I had never seen images/videos projected upon an actor or actresses costume who is on the move. I think this was a brilliant choice and the fact that the curtain
was so big made it even more effective.
As stated in the directors note in the Evita program, I appreciated the “minimalist approach to tell a well-known story leaving the audience to their own imagination to create their own environment.” The fact that there was not much to the set, allows the audience to focus on the message of the story through the actors’ singing and dancing. The dancing was very well choreographed and the timing of each and every movement coincided with the lyrics perfectly, painting an incredible story as Eva rose to power.
Lastly, I am aware that some people were concerned that the cast of Evita was whitewashed. I can understand where these individuals are coming from, but I am unaware of the diversity level and talent level of the students who auditioned for the musical. I do not think the cast did any discredit to the history of the Argentine people, and if anything as actors, they tried to understand and relay the circumatances and feelings of the late 70s in Argentina. As actors and actresses, regardless of whether we have experienced the same situations as the characters we are playing, we must put ourselves in our characters shoes by learning about their background, and develop the feelings and emotions they would possess. Ultimately, I think all of the actors and actresses in Evita were able to do just that and provide the audience with an entertaining and exciting show.
was so big made it even more effective.
As stated in the directors note in the Evita program, I appreciated the “minimalist approach to tell a well-known story leaving the audience to their own imagination to create their own environment.” The fact that there was not much to the set, allows the audience to focus on the message of the story through the actors’ singing and dancing. The dancing was very well choreographed and the timing of each and every movement coincided with the lyrics perfectly, painting an incredible story as Eva rose to power.
Lastly, I am aware that some people were concerned that the cast of Evita was whitewashed. I can understand where these individuals are coming from, but I am unaware of the diversity level and talent level of the students who auditioned for the musical. I do not think the cast did any discredit to the history of the Argentine people, and if anything as actors, they tried to understand and relay the circumatances and feelings of the late 70s in Argentina. As actors and actresses, regardless of whether we have experienced the same situations as the characters we are playing, we must put ourselves in our characters shoes by learning about their background, and develop the feelings and emotions they would possess. Ultimately, I think all of the actors and actresses in Evita were able to do just that and provide the audience with an entertaining and exciting show.