Evita (Concordia Amateur Operatic Society)

Another theatre that has been turned-over to Argentina in the 1940s is the Concordia Theatre in Hinckley, Leicestershire as their resident company present a vivid and vibrant production of Evita to an appreciative audience.

Much credit must go to Choreographer, Lisa Marsh, filling the stage with evocative Latin American dance, complementing and bringing to life the music from Musical Director, Sarah Bright and the finely tuned direction of the action from Director, Nanette Goodman. This is definitely not a circus but, very much a show designed to not only entertain but, to inform and educate, lofty ideals that are absolutely achieved, I personally found myself experiencing many emotions from smiling to crying, sometimes both at the same time.

Principal character actors are nothing short of excellent, Emma Clift as Eva delivering controlled and clear vocals and appearing likable even when she is taking personal advantage of people and situations, Ashley Bright as a totally engaging and energetic Che, a masterpiece of musical theatre stagecraft and Mark Benn as an imposing and in many ways intimidating Juan Peron together command the stage and deliver the story with consummate ease.

Lee Rice is an effortlessly melodic Magaldi, believing he has found the woman he wants in Eva, only to be scurrilously brushed aside on her way to the top and Phillippa Millhouse takes full advantage of her limited time on stage as Peron's Mistress to flawlessly yet dramatically deliver 'Another Suitcase in Another Hall'.

Evita is one of those musicals where the ensemble cast are as valuable (if not more so) than the principals and the large array of supporting players (both adults and children) provide rock solid support whether dancing, singing or acting as a multitude of characters in an equally diverse array of situations.

This production is very slick and a really appealing piece of entertainment, to coin a phrase it would be surprisingly good for you to buy a ticket and see for yourself but, you don't have much time as the run ends on Saturday 16th November 2019.

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