In August 2009, Four Seasons Theatre (FST), in cooperation with the Wisconsin Union Theater, will present Andrew LloydWebber's EVITA. Based on Mary Main's 1952 biography "The Woman with the Whip," EVITA focuses on the life of Argentine political leader Eva Perón, the second wife of Argentinean president Juan Perón. The story follows Evita's earlylife, acting career, rise to power, charity work, feminist involvement and untimely death at the age of 33.
Originally produced on Broadway in 1979 and celebrating its 30 th anniversary, EVITA won seven Tony Awards includingBest Musical for composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice. With a full 27 piece orchestra conducted by FSTArtistic Director Andrew Abrams, choreography by Sarah McCalister, and a talented cast of thirty local singers, dancers,and actors, this is one show you won't want to miss.
Starring as Eva Perón is Amanda Poulson who recently returned from an 8 month engagement as the featuredperformer on the premiere ship of the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and who was most recently seen in Madison as Mariain FST's highly acclaimed August 2007 production of WEST SIDE STORY and University Theatre's July 2008 sold outperformances of MUSICAL OF MUSICALS. Joining her as Che is Madison favorite Chad Grote, whose many leadroles include Jesus in JC Superstar with Middleton Players Theatre, Chris in MISS SAIGON for FST, and The Russian in CHESS for MATC Performing Arts. Tackling the role of Juan Perón is L. Joe Dahl, who was featured in FST's WORLDGOES ‘ROUND and as the Engineer in MISS SAIGON.
EVITA, follows the life of Argentina's most beloved and inspiring female leaders, Eva Perón (1919 - 1952). In 1934, atthe age of 15, Eva travelled from her birthplace in rural Argentina to Buenos Aires where she used her charisma andcharm to become a successful model and actress. At a charity event in 1944, she met General Juan Perón and offered tohelp in his rise to power.
They married, and he was elected President of Argentina in 1946. Over the course of the next 6years, Eva Perón spoke out for labor rights, ran the Ministries of Labor and Health, founded and ran her own charitablefoundation, fought for women's right to vote, and founded and ran the nation's first female political party. In 1951, sheaccepted a nomination for Vice-President with the support of Argentina's low-income working class. In the end, she was forced to withdraw due to her declining health and opposition from the nation's military and elite. Shortly thereafter, shewas officially named "Spiritual Leader of the Nation" by the Argentine Congress. Eva's life was taken by cancer at theuntimely age of 33, but her legacy continues to live on.Presented in partnership with the Wisconsin Union Theater, performances are Friday 8/21 at 7:30 pm, Saturday 8/22 at7:30 pm, and Sunday 8/23 at 2:00 pm at the Wisconsin Union Theater.
Tickets ($15, $22, $27) are available throughthe Campus Arts Box Office at (608) 265-ARTS, online at www.fourseasonstheatre.com, or in person at the WisconsinUnion Theater Box Office. Students with a valid ID, seniors age 62+, and groups of 15 or more will receive a $2 discounton their tickets.
