Evita Comes to Count Basie

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RED BANK – Phoenix Productions will be reviving Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s epic rock opera “Evita” at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank for two weekends starting on September 11. Kelliann DeCarlo will star as Eva Peron, with Michael McEntee as Che, David Fusco as Juan Peron, Nick D’Ambrosia as Magaldi, and Jordan Gilbert as the Mistress.
Set in Buenos Aires from 1934-1952, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice chart the rags-to-riches story of Eva Duarte, as she gains political and social power by marrying military leader-turned-President Juan Peron. This ambitious actress becomes the most powerful woman in Latin America and is worshipped as a saint by the people of Argentina.
The musical began as a rock opera concept album released in 1976. Its success led to productions in London’s West End in 1978, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical, and on Broadway a year later, where it was the first British musical to receive the Tony Award for Best Musical. Patti Lupone and Mandy Patinkin both won Tonys for their iconic portrayals of Eva and Che. The story of Eva Peron became especially popular after the release of the 1996 film starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas. Memorable songs included “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” and “Buenos Aires.”
Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday evenings, 8 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sunday matinees at the Count Basie Theatre from Sept. 11 through Sept. 20. Tickets, priced at $22 to $32 with a senior discount, can be purchased at the Count Basie box office, by phone at 732-747-0014, or by emailing tickets@phoenixredbank.com.
Phoenix is a nonprofit community theater organization that has produced more than 100 revivals of hit Broadway musical over the past two decades. More information is available at 732-747-0014 or phoenixredbank.com.