EVITA
Review by Sam
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jamie Lloyd's 2019 Regent's Park Theatre production makes a sizzling return to London, led by a Hollywood superstar in one of the most talked about West End shows of the summer.
Telling the story of Argentina's First Lady Eva Perón, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical details the rags to riches story of her ambition for fame and fortune, showcasing Eva's saint-like devotion to the people of her country. Director Jamie Lloyd injects his auteuristic style into this bold and boisterous production, utilising a plethora of different theatrical elements which fans have come to know and love; including camera work, stripped sets and a lot of confetti! Along with a stellar production also comes spotlight casting, with Rachel Zegler marking her West End debut as Eva Perón.
Zegler dazzles in the titular role, not only performing outside the theatre (in a powerful and subversive choice), but giving a vocal masterclass on stage as well. She delivers what can only be described as the performance of the year alongside a spectacular ensemble which elevate her performance to dizzying heights. Diego Andres Rodriguez is a pitch perfect narrator with his intense portrayal of Che, bitterly guiding the audience through the narrative.
However the real star of the show is the intense, passionate and powerful choreography by Fabian Aloise. He moves the ensemble with such precision, allowing detailed storytelling to be translated with the upmost finesse. With not a single beat missed, the ensemble seamlessly dance their way around a staircase, accompanied by Adam Fishers intense sound design and Jon Clark's awe-inspiring lighting. Each element blends to create an utterly spectacular production which has all the elements of a Jamie Lloyd masterpiece. However, sadly the source material is the weakest element, never quite reaching the impressive heights of the theatrical experience itself.
As a piece of theatrical art, Evita is yet another showstopper in the gallery of Jamie Lloyd's work - however the strength of the material itself stops the show just shy of reaching the shining lights of Buenos Aires.