You don’t have to totally understand the politics of Argentina in the 40s-50s to be blown away by Lebowsky Center’s stellar production. The legendary Eva Peron's epic rise from poverty to power is compelling beyond its politics. The helpful director’s note is all the orientation you need.
This is a fully sung musical, with little or no dialogue, so the excellent voices, singing, orchestra and dancing are all the more critical and challenging. The score is difficult and sometimes discordant (in a good way) driving powerful moods, and soaring with the “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” theme.
The soul of the show is the outstanding Megan Meyer as Eva Peron, once again shining her star-power throughout the Lebowsky Center. (She was a killer Sally Bowles in Cabaret a couple years ago.) Hers is a tale of triumph, charm and ruthlessness and she is exceptional.
Diego Perez plays a wry Che Guevara, Argentine Marxist revolutionary, the cynical, sometimes wisecracking commentator, shining his own perspective on Eva Peron and her strong-man husband Juan Peron, proudly played and beautifully sung by Benji Cates. Jake Przybyla and his stellar voice shine as one of the stepping-stone men on Evita’s way up. Kaila Szafrasnski is another remarkable voice as the displaced mistress, and 7-year-old Raelynn Dahlgran has a sweet solo as a child receiving Eva’s philanthropy. The very busy and versatile ensemble seamlessly embodies Evita’s fans, mourners, soldiers and more.
Lebowsky lives up to its professional production values once again, under the direction of Garrett Bradley with the outstanding, tango-flavored choreography of Erica Duffield and Taylor Engel. Music Director Jillian Boots and orchestra were great (take a peek behind you when you attend; there’s a tv screen so actors on stage can be conducted/cued by Jillian, even though the musicians are invisible, deep in the orchestra pit.) The versatile set (Josh Holliday) allows for both grand-balcony and intimate scenes. Costumes are amazing (Alissa Britten & team) During one song, the super costumes and super choreography combine to dress Eva in several different dresses without missing a beat.
It’s well worth the drive to Owosso to experience Evita continuing through October 24.
Lebowsky Center is at 122 E. Main Street in Owosso
Tickets at http://lebowskycenter.com
NOTE that masks are required for all except cast members actively performing; there are no concessions sold and the cast and crew meet and greet after the show has been temporarily canceled in an effort to keep safe distances.