A Well Performed 'Evita' at Olney

As we get immersed in the political season in the U.S., one should recognize that what we have here—divisive and often angry politics—is quite tame compared to other periods in our world’s history.  The political atmosphere during the 1940’s to 1950’s in Argentina, which was at times tumultuous and deadly, forms the backdrop for the musical Evita that is currently playing at the Olney Theatre Center.  #hocoarts

Robert Ariza as Che and Rachel Zampelli as Eva Photo: Stan Barouh

Andrew Lloyd Weber’s music and Tim Rice’s lyrics powered Evita to seven Tony Awards in 1980 with the musical achieving considerable success throughout the world. The lyrics and storyline of the musical are based on Mary Main’s biography, Evita: The Woman with the Whip,

The story, told mostly through song, spans the rise to prominence of Eva Perón from her impoverished beginnings at the age of 15 to her ascent to power by becoming Argentina’s First Lady and concluding with her early death at the age of 33.  Along the way, Eva was a radio actress who had reportedly slept around to gain advantage. She met a military colonel Juan Perón at an earthquake relief concert and eventually became his wife prior to his becoming the country’s president.

For full review, visit MD Theatre Guide.