Evita marked my debut performance at the historic Georgetown Palace Theatre. Following the life and untimely death of actress turned political revolutionary Eva Peron, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music brought to life a both a cynical and philanthropic dichotomy of the public figure, from the perspective of her lovers and haters. The interpretation was both haunting and lively. While I was not previously familiar with this work beyond the legendary “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”, each night the music never ceased to move me to real tears.
The run was 5 weeks in the heat of the summer. My favorite part was the choreography. Being in the chorus gave me the opportunity to dance like I had not in years since the “Cotton Club”. The cast was large, featuring both an adult and children’s chorus to reflect the essence of a rumbling 1930’s Argentina. Jessie Smart worked tirelessly to choreograph the ensemble. I so enjoyed working with her, director Cliff Butler and music director Austin Kimble . From beginning to end, the experience was professional and family friendly.