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REVIEW OF “EVITA”
Michigan City News-Dispatch on Thursday, August 19, 2010
“DUNES HIGH POINT”
By Jon Rice
MICHIANA SHORES — Dunes Summer Theatre closes its 2010 season with a bang. Taking on the ambitious rock opera “Evita,” the well-chosen cast pulls it off with flying colors. The production is sensational and represents a high point for the theater.
Directed by Scot MacDonald, “Evita,” conceived by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, depicts the momentous rise of Eva Duarte Peron, from her humble beginnings to her almost religious martyrdom. The script postdates Rice and Webber’s smash “Jesus Christ Superstar” and features less multi-genre musical styles.
MacDonald makes this musically and technically complicated work a well-oiled, perfectly paced gem. The set design by Tony Serra is visually stunning and functional. The flourishes of fine art and abstract treatments strengthen the atmosphere. It captures your eye from first lights up to the finale. The sound system — a pet peeve of mine — was almost flawless. Hats off to the sound technicians for giving this important element of the production the attention it needs.
The play’s opening number commands attention with spot-on harmonies from the stellar ensemble to impressive visual staging.
The story’s narrator is Che, masterfully played by Edward MacLennan. The choice to steer away from suggesting Che be modeled after revolutionary Che Guevara and make him more an anonymous everyman was wise. It allows the audience to remove itself from historical significance and identify with Che questioning Evita’s climb to power, and the real effect on the people of Argentina.
MacLennan’s command of the stage is riveting. His vocal talents are evenly matched with his acting ability and natural charisma. The highlight of the production features MacLennan and the cast during “And the Money Kept Rolling In.” MacLennan takes everyone on a whirling-dervish ride with an almost gospel revival feel. Larry Payne’s choreography is highlighted here, and the cast navigates through the fast-paced, strenuous number.
Payne’s skills also are apparent in the waltz scene for Eva and Che.
Sheree Wheeler-Gudeman is breathtaking as Eva. Her voice is up to the challenge of taking on such a complex performance and vocal acrobatics. As popular as “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” remains, it doesn’t lose its appeal through Wheeler-Gudeman’s performance and is one of her many bright moments.
The actress’ portrayal is on the money as she crafts intentions of ego into misunderstood philanthropy. “High Flying Adored” features Wheeler-Gudeman at her best as we see her giving into the worship of her persona and allowing the ego to obliterate her moral compass.
Musical director Heidi Ferris and her talented orchestra seamlessly and flawlessly create the musical backdrop that allows the cast to fly. Never overpowering, they are a perfect mix with the actors.
The costumes and wigs also deserve mention as they colorfully help create the illusion of different Evas throughout the years.
Add on the terrific ensemble and outstanding leads, and “Evita” is a treat to see
Press Release: “EVITA” OPENS AT DUNES SUMMER THEATRE
Tim Rice’s and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spectacular story of the rise and fall of Eva Duarte Perón, the Argentine actress who purveyed her sexuality and charisma into near-sainthood between 1945 and her death in 1952, has been a massive undertaking for the cast and production team, and the Dunes Summer Theatre is pleased to present this rock opera for the final offering of the 2010 summer season.
Sheree Wheeler-Gudeman, as Evita, is best known for her NIETF-award-winning roles in “Kiss Me Kate” and “Annie Get Your Gun” both at Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso. She has dazzled on the Dunes’ stage in leading roles in “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” “Side Show,” “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” and “Jekyll and Hyde.”
Her leading men: Edward MacLennan as Che won the best male actor in a musical award for “South Pacific” at Genesius Guild last year, and he recently played the lead role of Guido Contini in “Nine” at 4th Street Theatre in Chesterton. The other male lead of Juan Peron in “Evita” is played by Charles Kay; he was last seen on the Dunes’ stage as Sky Masterson in “Guys and Dolls.”
“Eva Peron was considered a saint by some, and a monster by others. Different productions of this show often highlight one of those aspects and try to force the audience to choose whether she was good or evil. What about showing that she is human? What about showing that she and her husband, Argentine President Juan Peron, truly had a deep love for each other--that even surpassed her death?” says Scot MacDonald, director of “Evita.” Heidi Ferris is the musical director and Larry Payne is the choreographer for this production of “Evita.”
“Evita” began life as a rock opera concept album released in 1976. Its success led to productions in London's West End in 1978, and on Broadway a year later, both of which enjoyed considerable success. A major 1996 film of the musical was made, starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas.
Tickets are priced at $15 and $12 for seniors and students. The box office opens at 1:00 Tuesday through Monday and can be reached by calling 219-879-7509. Or see the website, www.dunessummertheatre.com for additional information and to order tickets. The Dunes Theatre is located in Michiana Shores just off Highway 12 near Grand Beach. See website for exact directions and map.
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