CMT has enough to double-cast the show. I was only in town in time to see the “Webber” cast led by 17-year-old Hayley Steele in the title role. Hayley can belt out the necessary belting as Evita shouts out her spirited speeches and demands, but Hayley’s extraordinary voice is best displayed when cajoling her lovers and her adoring audience of Argentine supporters – as she does in her signature song Don’t Cry for Me Argentina. Her performance is also impressive in how she develops her character, beginning the play as a member of the lower classes with huge ambitions, but not outwardly different than any other. We see her learning how to use her feminine wiles in her first scene as she dances almost hesitantly, apparently forcing herself into becoming the fiery and sensual woman who will take Argentina, and particularly the men of Argentina, by storm. It’s a transformation she soon accomplishes with great success, but which is eventually overcome by the pain and fear of terminal cancer, reducing the proud and confident Eva into a physically weak, emotionally fearful young woman. Eva and her husband Peron (Matt Hill) use great body language for their powerfully performed final scene as Peron’s concern and Eva’s fear and isolation grow desperate.

Tristan Crisol stars as our narrator and Eva’s antagonist Che, a young, charismatic revolutionary who is not at all impressed with what Eva Peron did to help the people of Argentina. Tristan combines a smooth singing voice with a personality that clearly relishes trying to rip away Eva’s legendary status. Matt Abel is a hoot as the cheesy lounge singer Magaldi who gets suckered into taking Eva to Buenos Aires. And Christine Freschi is Peron’s booted mistress, singing the poignant Another Suitcase in Another Hall as an innocent and sad young girl with a sweet and equally innocent voice.

The ensemble shines in many scenes choreographed by the choreographer of the 25^th Anniversary National Tour of Evita, Gia Solari. Highlights include a very synchronized military phalanx and a highly energetic Rainbow Tour featuring the comedy of Peron enjoying the company of two uniformed high school girls on his lap, with Faryl Hoang and Amy Perry using hilarious facial expressions and personality to show just how cool and fun they think it is to get so much attention (and candy) from the president of Argentina. The ensemble also nails the Money Kept Rolling In number that has Evita happily going through her cash box that sits literally on the backs of some Buenos Aires peasants.

Performs March 9-18, 2007.

Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre