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REVIEW
BasOp present
EVITA
Towngate Theatre, Basildon
22nd May - 25th May 2019
Oh What a Show – Bas Op present Evita
Basildon Operatic (Bas Op) has really excelled themselves with their production of Evita.  The first night was as good as or better than a professional production I saw some years ago with Marti Webb.  

The musical itself started off as a concept album written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber at their best.  Of course it famously evolved into a very successful stage musical and discovered Elaine Paige. Since its inception in 1976 there have been many tours and productions all over the world, except Argentina where it’s still banned.

The story is a familiar one. A small time actress sleeps her way to success then meets Juan Peron on his way to becoming the President of Argentina.  She supplants his mistress and becomes the driving force behind him. On the way she becomes an icon to the poor who see her as a saint, but behind the façade is corruption and greed, and much to the chagrin of his army and generals she becomes more popular than Peron.  They view her as a common whore. ​
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The story is told in song by Che Guevara (Simon Bristoe) who narrates the events.  Simon, who always turns in a reliable performance, brings out the sardonic criticism and his rendition of High Flying Adored as a commentary on Eva’s rise to fame and Oh What a Circus, he handles with great aplomb.  

I liked Josh Handley as the sleazy tango singer Migaldi with his handling of On This Night of a Thousand Stars with slicked back hair and his gangster suit.

The musical employs an eclectic range of styles, from classical music as in Requiem, to big ballads, and rock opera style.  Of course it stands or falls on the person playing Evita. In this production Angela Phillips mastered it. The vocal fireworks for the part are very complicated and difficult.  The technique requires enormous reserves and Angela has to be complimented for her vocal dexterity. Even the famous Broadway star Patti Lupone found it difficult, and is on record as saying,

‘Evita was the worst experience of my life. 'I was screaming my way through a part that could only have been written by a man who hates women.’   

Angela was particularly effective with the moving balcony, as she sang the show stopping Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.  Also praise must be given for any actress having to sing Rainbow High centre stage in her underwear whilst being undressed and dressed.   

Lois Russell-Cornford in underwear also gave an emotional, Another Suitcase in another Hall, as the displaced mistress.
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The part of Peron is very underwritten as the show is really Evita’s, but Simon Lambert gave a sympathetic performance.  If there is any criticism it is that there was no sexual chemistry between Peron and Evita, but that is a minor complaint, given all the vocal attack required for this musical.

There were some very clever set pieces with Che and the ensemble, And the Money Kept Rolling In, Rainbow Tour etc.  Also the choreographer brought out the humour, particularly the goose-stepping army, for the song ridiculing Peron’s fancy woman, Peron’s Latest Flame and Goodnight and Thank You with Eva, Che and the lovers.  

Additionally, there was a very  effecting scene with,  I’d be Surprisingly Good for You,  sang between Eva and Peron to the accompaniment of a couple of tango dancers Emma Turner and Sean Hynes.

I was very impressed with the ensemble numbers with clever choreography and a cast of thousands.  I take my hat off to the Artistic Director and Choreographer for the set pieces and the use of the stage.  Praise must also be given to the 18 piece orchestra under the Musical Director Clare Penfold, for their excellent accompaniment.
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Evita is a very difficult show, not only for the vocal techniques required, but the cross singing, and staging. It is amazing how many songs have come out of it and been covered by many artistes, all standing alone on their own merit.

Basildon Operatic has tackled it full on and has achieved a wonderful piece of theatre as was proved by the whoops and screams from the audience at the curtain call. 

The show continues until Saturday, so I suggest that you make your way to the Towngate Theatre, quickly before it’s sold out.

BasOp presents:-
Evita
May 22-May 25 2019
TowngateTheatre - Basildon
Box Office 01268 205 300

​This hit musical is based on the true story of Eva (Evita) Peron who starts out her life as a poor girl but leaves her home for Buenos Aires to seek fame as an actress. She then marries the Argentinean president, Juan Peron, and becomes a heroine to the people of Argentina.
It is a story of love and politics, showing the battles and triumphs Evita had in her short but amazing life, featuring the hit songs, High Flying Adored, Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, You Must Love Me and many, many more!

Check out our interview below with Simon Bristoe and Angela Phillips who play Che and Eva in the show!
Book online or book by phone: 01268 205 300

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