I'll be blunt here: I know that some people would not appreciate a college/high school production of "Evita," which is basically what you're getting when you attend an "older kids" production at Children's Musical Theaterworks. (Performers are ages 15-20.) Snooty types would be uninterested (and I know this because I've talked to some of them) in seeing young actors portray complex characters who age over a couple of decades.
The way I look at it, I watched a 30-something Madonna play Eva Peron as a teen-ager in the movie version of "Evita," so why shouldn't I watch someone younger play someone older?
The interesting thing is that I liked Kylie Briggs, who played the title role in the CMT production that I saw Saturday night, better as her character aged. (Which is how I felt about the Madonna version, too.) This suggests to me that there's something structural going on here in this oft-performed Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice work. Even with a much younger actor playing Eva, it's still hard for her opening scenes to match those that come later in the play.
I think this "Evita," directed by Terry Lewis, is a solid outing with a lot of good qualities, especially the singing. I'd rank the production as good, but not great, in terms of the CMT canon. I wasn't blown away by its production design and direction, but, as often happens with this company, the enthusiasm and talent of the cast helped the show over some rough spots.
The performance that stood out for me was Eric Martinez-Noisywaters' suave portrayal of Juan Peron. Striking in his stage presence, Martinez-Noisywaters tackles the role with more vocal smoothness than this somewhat craggy character is usually portrayed -- and it works. His rendition of "She Is a Diamond" is downright beautiful, and his lyrical interpretation of that song adds much to the tenderness of the final scenes.
Jarod Caitlin is another very strong performer in the role of Magaldi, and Taryn Wettstead's plaintive "Another Suitcase in Another Hall," as the Mistress, is well done. Devin Wright, as Che, also has a fine voice, though he never quite connected with the role's taunting, confrontational qualities. As I said, Briggs really grows in the role of Eva.
Before going on, I have to note that I can't fit two viewings of "Evita" into my schedule, which is what would be required to evaluate the double-cast major roles. (All but Caitlin alternate.) So I didn't get an opportunity to see Cheyenne Gray as Eva, Miguel Molinar as Che, Christian Neighbors as Peron and Sonya Venugopal as the Mistress.
Jeff White's minimalist set, dominated by flowing floor-to-ceiling banners serving as backdrops for the projections that are a part of the basic "Evita" concept, worked fairly well, though the visibility factor of the projected images wasn't as high as it could be. (Laura Vogt's lighting design is otherwise sharp.) Certain aspects of the staging were troublesome to me -- especially the opening funeral scene, which took on kind of a vampire feel when the coffin was tilted up, "The Money Kept Rolling In" number, which seemed flat to me, and the scenes with the aristocrats, who needed more rehearsal shuffling onto the stage with precision. Overall, crisper transitions between scenes were needed to keep the audience from getting confused chronologically, and some of Royce Winchester Matthews' choreography was weak, particularly the far too bouncy Che-Eva waltz in the second act.
Still, there's no denying that "Evita" is a very tough show to stage, and the CMT cast and crew work hard to pull it off. I enjoy seeing whatever this company cooks up, and it's a pleasure to see them stretching themselves once again.
Thank you for the wonderful critique, I hope others can make it to this weekends performances:
Thursday evening (7:30)
Saturday Matinee (2:00)
Featuring the actors critiqued
Kylie Briggs as Eva, Devin Wright as Che, Eric Martinez-Noiseywaters as Peron, Jarod Caitlin as Magaldi and Taryn Wettstead as the Mistress.
and
Friday and Saturday evening (7:30)
Featuring Cheyenne Gray as Eva, Miguel Molinar as Che, Christian Neighbors as Peron, Jarod Caitlin as Magaldi and Sonya Venugopal as the Mistress.
We close this weekend, so please come and support the arts by seeing our production.
As a long time fan of CMT I always look farward to what they have to offer. I got a chance to see both cast opening weekend and I would sauggest you do the same Donald. Both cast are so great and I think you should give them a chance to "wow" you. Keep it up CMT.
I think you should try to see both casts perform. You'll be missing out on some really great vocals if you don't watch the Perón cast.
I do appreciate the comments and email invitations to see the other cast perform in "Evita." Unfortunately, I simply do not have the time in my schedule to do so. CMT double-casts most of the principal roles for its shows, and while I understand and respect that decision, it also means less consistency for the audience. Also, I don't want to get into a situation where I'm comparing cast members to each other -- saying that such-and-such is a better Peron, for example.
i really think you need to see the peron cast b/c you are missing out on Cheyenne Gray and Christian and miguel's portayals as eva, peron, and che. Even if you dont review it, you should see it becasue it is good theatre.
Hey Donald. I would like to thank you for coming out and reviewing our show. Our cast has worked there butt off in this show. I am very sad that you couldn't come out and review the Peron cast however I understand that you are very busy. I would also like to thank you for noting that our strong cast overcomes some of technical difficulties that we are experiencing. It's always the problem when things happen last minute. I strongly believe and have seen, from
watching on my off nights, that our show is fantastic. Both casts are strong and have there highlights.
If you happen to have time or something else
cancels I strongly urge you to come see the Peron cast. We worked just as hard as the other cast and deserve some sort of critique since the reqsone our press night was canceled because of how far behind we were. Thanks again and I really think everyone should come see this wonderfully directed show.
Donald we do thank you for coming to our shows and providing your reviews. We are as an organization fully aware of time constraints and that seeing two casts is typically not possible. So let me apologize for the organization for certain cast members who have trouble seeing the big picture...thanks for all you do to support the arts locally…
Joe Wettstead
Board President, CMT
While I'm no Donald Munro, I have been a proud supporter and "arm chair" reviewer of local theater for many years. I was fortunate enough to see the OTHER cast that is referred to often in the comments above and let me say here that you indeed missed quite a performance. This group of principals performed well, but I need to point out that Cheyenne Gray was phenomenal. Terry Lewis made a brilliant decision in casting her. She is not your typical Eva, but after the first few measures of music, she made a believer out of me. Her vocal power and brilliant grasp of the Eva Peron's amibition and drive really made this production one of my new favorites from CMT.
I saw Evita last night and I have to completely agree with Elizabeth. Had Cheyenne Gray not been a family members very close friend, I would have probably not gone and missed out on the most exceptional and talented young performer I have seen take the stage here in Fresno! Phenomenal,brilliant, amazing, and extraordinary, are adjectives that describe this very young talent!! I would like to go see her again tonight for her last performance. Mr. Munro its a shame your too busy but anyone else out there that can get tickets for tonight would be at such a loss to miss this very young and exceptional entertainer! I am sure we will be seeing many more wonderful performances such talent is in demand! Bravo Cheyenne, you are truly amazing! Love from some of your closet fans!