Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece Evita opens at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge
October 20, 2023
Patrons are encouraged to book tickets now as the run is 90% sold out
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Power, ambition, and the complexities of human desire takes centre stage in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Tony® Award-winning Best Musical, Evita. One of the world’s most popular musicals, Evita charts the meteoric rise of the legendary Eva Perón and her driving spirit that defined a nation. Patrons are encourage to book tickets quickly as the run is already 90% sold out. This sensational musical is on stage now at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge for three weeks only, to November 5.
Full of ambition, glamour, and magnetism, Eva climbs her way up the ladder of success from a life of poverty, first as a model and actress, then as the wife of General Juan Perón, and finally as a celebrated spiritual leader and the most powerful woman in South America. Featuring some of the best loved songs in musical theatre including, “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina,” “Buenos Aires,” “Another Suitcase in Another Hall,” and “High Flying, Adored,” Evita is a powerful and riveting theatrical experience not to be missed.
“Evita is an extraordinary example of theatre that moves and inspires,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “It is brash, glitzy and energetic entertainment that has the power to enthrall an audience for the entire performance.”
Leading the charge through this incredible story is Director and Choreographer Michael Lichtefeld, who is a seasoned Director/Choreographer who was also a performer in the original Broadway Company of Evita. Michael has choreographed six Broadway musicals including Merrily We Roll Along, The Sound of Music, and Sweeney Todd, and has helmed many productions for the Stratford Festival, including South Pacific and My One and Only.
Joining him is Music Director Bob Foster, Set Designer Sean Mulcahy, Lighting Designer Kevin Fraser, Stage Manager Paul Pembleton, and Assistant Stage Managers Stephanie Bignell and Paula Stewart.
A powerhouse of a cast has been rallied for this production. Mariah Campos takes on the title role of Eva Perón, the commanding, confident political heroine whose story culminates in the iconic song “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.” Campos most recently appeared as Maria Holly, Buddy Holly’s wife, in this season’s production of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, and previously appeared in Drayton Entertainment’s Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto. Elsewhere, she appeared in the Stratford Festival’s production of The Music Man, Stage West’s Rock of Ages, and several shows with Ross Petty Productions.
Nico Solarte is Che, the show’s wry narrator, named after revolutionary Che Guevara. This is Solarte’s third production with Drayton Entertainment this season, having appeared as Ja’Keith in Rock of Ages and Ritchie Valens in Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story. Elsewhere, they have appeared as Willie Lopez in Ghost: The Musical with Starvox Entertainment, Bobby Dupree in the Australian premiere of Memphis The Musical, and in Parade at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Eric Craig is the troubled Juan Perón, who despite being the nation’s leader, is eclipsed by the glamour and charisma of his adored wife. Craig recently appeared as Trent Oliver in Drayton Entertainment’s production of The Prom at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse this past spring. He was part of the original Broadway Cast of Paradise Square, as well as the Toronto and National Tours of Matilda, and has performed at Theatre Calgary, Arts Club Theatre, and Stage West.
Emily Robertson appears in the role of Perón’s mistress. Robertson also appeared in this season’s production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and in last year’s production of The Sound of Music. Elsewhere, she has appeared in Anne of Green Gables at 1000 Islands Playhouse and Fiddler on the Roof at the Capitol Theatre.
Robert Ball is famed Latin singer Augustin Magaldi, who is Eva’s ticket to Buenos Aires, where she carves out her career as an actress. Ball recently appeared in this season’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He has performed at Stage West and Tarragon Theatre, appeared in Stratford’s Chicago, and in Treemonisha at the Luminato Festival.
Blythe Wilson is Eva’s Mother. Wilson recently appeared as Pat in Kinky Boots, Dee Dee Allen in The Prom, and as Donna in last season’s production of Mamma Mia!. She has appeared in many seasons at Stratford and as Mrs. Banks in Disney’s Mary Poppins on Broadway.
Rounding out this incredible cast as members of the ensemble are Evan Taylor Benyacar, Darren Burkett, Vanessa Cobham, Jarret Cody, Alyssa Curto, Ryan Desaulnier, Robyn Esson, Jordan Goodridge, Alexandra Grant, Rose-Mary Harbans, Jasmine Huang, Dani Jazzar, Chad McFadden, Berkley Silverman, Curtis Sullivan, and Aaron Walpole.
Evita chronicles the life and loves of Argentina’s infamous Eva Perón. Born into poverty, she struggled up the social ladder into Argentina’s elite aristocracy. While working as an actress, she began a controversial romance with Colonel Juan Perón that changed the course of Argentina’s turbulent history. When Perón was elected President, Eva became the most powerful woman in South America, championing women’s rights, better housing, health and education issues, and creating the famous Maria Eva Duarte de Peron Foundation.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's compelling score features influences from Latin music, pop, and jazz, with lyrics by Tim Rice. The production opened at the Prince Edward Theatre in London, UK in 1978, and premiered on Broadway in September 1979. The show won seven 1980 Tony Awards including Best Book, Best Score and Best Musical of the year. Since then, productions have been performed all over the world.
Evita is proudly sponsored by Commercial Print Management Inc. and Sketchley Cleaners. The Design Sponsor is Homewood Suites by Hilton. The Media Sponsors are KX 94.7, 98.5 CKWR, The Hamilton Spectator, and City News 570. The Season Media Sponsor is CTV.
Evita is on stage at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge from October 18 to November 5.
Regular performance tickets are $55 for adults, $34 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for select Discount Dates and groups of 20 or more are $45, and small groups of 10-19 are $50. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online at www.draytonentertainment.com.
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For more information please contact:
Samareh Jones, Marketing & Development Associate
samareh@draytonentertainment.com
Phone: (519) 621-5511 ext. 256