"Evita"

By Joyce Trammell

It is seldom that one finds a musical where the most likeable charcter is someone like Che Guevara, Fidel Castro's right hand man, but such is true in "Evita."

This Tim Rice / Andrew Lloyd Webber creation is not for fans of the light-hearted musical comedy common to the Fifties, unless those fans have broadened their horizons.

The story deals with the rise of Eva Duarte, actress and "lady of the evening," to the once beloved, nearly sainted, first lady of Argentina, Evita.

Music Theater Louisville is to be commended for even attempting such an undertaking. The scenery, or rather lack of it, was exactly fitting for "Evita." Many compliments go to Ron Shaw, Scenic Designer, for the forboding mood he created.

And speaking of compliments, the company of singers and dancers were a delight. The blending of voices by casting both young and mature people produced an outstanding effect.

Singing the leading part in "Evita" has to be one of the most taxing roles possible, and Joan Krause as Eva had a strong confident voice that fit the part.

The entire cast did an admirable job, with Colette Delaney, the mistress, achieving a particular touching moment with "Another Suitcase."

It is also fortunate that Louisville has an orchestra of the caliber it does, with many talented young players. They did a superb job on the score.

The Broadway-Brown Partnership and Capital Holding also deserve credit for preserving the Macauley Theater. It is intimate so that there is not a bad seat in the house. Unfortunately, the lobby detracts from the interior of the theater intself.

Perhaps Music Theater Louisville's Scenic Designer does lobbies.