Description

Seacoast Repertory Theatre presents Evita, a captivating story of power and femininity by giants of Broadway. Evita is a grand spectacle sure to enthrall and dazzle audiences. When Eva Perón died, every flower shop in Buenos Aires was out of stock within a day. Crowds stretched for 10 blocks, trampling one another to catch a glimpse of her body. Adored by her nation, they set about building a monument that would have been larger than the Statue of Liberty. She was, in all the important ways, sainted by the people of Argentina.

But what about the woman behind image – the woman who went from nothing to the most revered woman in her nation? Was she a saint? Was she a harlot? Is the truth somewhere in between the facts and the fame? This is her story. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita charts the rags-to-riches rise of the real-life First Lady of Argentina, who won the adoration and scorn of her country after climbing the social ladder to marry petty dictator Juan Perón.

Set in Buenos Aires between 1934-1952, the musical follows Eva Duarte Perón on her journey from fatherless child to ambitious actress to the most powerful woman in Latin America—and, eventually, to a saint-like figure after her death from cancer at 33. The events in Evita’s life are presented in song and editorialized on by the show’s revolutionary narrator, Che. Featuring some of the best loved songs in the musical theater songbook, including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, On This Night of a Thousand Stars, Oh What A Circus, You Must Love Me, and Another Suitcase in Another Hall, this smash hit show truly promises to be elevated to new heights on our intimate stage.

Evita is cast authentically from all over the North East, and directed with unique and colorful vision by Lexi Meunier, co-founder and artistic director of the Pine Street Players. Her past credits include The Glass Menagerie, Into The Woods, and Little Women. Meunier’s unique vision will be brought to vivid life with set design by The Mad Men of Oopsy Daisy Inc! and costume design by Teresa Botticelli.

Evita explores adult themes and depictions of sexuality and power, particularly in the Act One number “Goodnight and Thank You,” earning this production the equivalent of a PG-13 rating. Children may not be as captivated as adults by Evita, but parents can determine whether the musical is suitable for young or tween theater-goers.

Showtimes are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. A preview performance will be held on Nov. 29. Tickets are available online below, or through the box office at 603-433-4472. Box office hours are Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. or through showtimes. Seacoast Repertory Theatre is a professional regional theater located in the heart of Downtown Portsmouth at 125 Bow St. The lobby is open one hour before the show, with doors to the theater opening one half hour before curtain. The lobby features a full bar and concessions. Parking is available nearby on-street or at the Hanover Street garage. Handicap seating is available. Evita is sponsored by Lowe's Home Improvement