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Theater
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Friday, 20 March 2009 22:13 |
 By Laurie Grauer
“Evita” the musical was never meant for a small stage. When it debuted on Broadway it ran for a record breaking 1,567 performances. It took home seven of eleven Tony nominations including Best Musical of the year. In 1981, its cast recording won a Grammy Award and in 1996 it became a full-length feature film that starred the titans of music and film, Madonna and Antonio Banderas.
It was written by lyricist Tim Rice and musical composer Andrew Lloyd Weber who never do anything small scale or within budget. What made the the Theo Ubique Theatre Company decide to produce this mammoth musical in the cozy confines of the No Exit Café is beyond me; however, one thing is for sure. Through the raw talent of its cast and production crew, the humble theatre company pulled off a theatrical experience that was so brilliant, it could give any main stage production of this play a run for its money.
Don’t come to this production if you’re looking for lavish sets and costumes; there isn’t space on the stage to fit them. However, the efforts of Nate Crawford (set designer), David Green (property master) and Jill Van Brussel (costume design) are on point. An arm sofa, a vanity table with makeup paraphernalia, and it is clear we are in the Perons’ private chambers. A curtain with a large standing microphone and we know we about to hear Evita’s world renowned solo to the masses.
The costumes dutifully distinguish peasants from the military and upper classes. They also adequately portray Evita’s rise to fame and fortune. Rather than have the character go through a series of costume changes, her accessories take on a more luxurious gleam to signify her pricey appearance. In one scene in particular, her simple black frock serves as the canvas for a whole new look once the cast dresses her from head to toe in sparkling gems and a mink stole. Stage manager Raymond K. Cleveland does a great job of bringing the production together.
Choreographer Brenda Didier does an outstanding job of combining classic Broadway panache with the lively cabaret style that Theo Ubique is known for. In one number, the cast performs a series of calculated tangos and in another military officials express their opinion of Argentina’s first lady by drawing attention to a certain part of the male anatomy while dancing in an in-line formation.
Musical director Ryan Brewster does an excellent job of orchestrating the talented voices of the cast, the jazz band, and the musical styling of the character Che’ on the guitar, but there were times when the voices were overpowered by the band.
Director Fred Anzevino did a phenomenal job of preparing his cast for their legendary roles. Chris Damiano is entertaining in his role as playfully sarcastic Che Guevara, his voice and movements are perfect. Jeremy Trager plays the part of power hungry but cautious Juan Peron brilliantly. His stiff posture and powerful voice meet the demands of this character, although at times his accent sounded to me more Italian than Spanish.
Maggie Portman’s nerve and daring breathe new life into this well-played role of Evita. However, again with regard to musical balance, though Portman’s voice is for the most part melodic, at times it becomes shrill when it’s forced to compete with the band.
The number that steals the show is the lament of Peron’s mistress portrayed by Jenny Lamb. I have never seen an actress wrought with such sorrow during a musical number. The tears Lamb sheds during her haunting song are so moving that they brought tears to my eyes as well.
Time and time again the Rogers Park theatre district has proudly displayed its ability to bring unique experiences to its community. Evita is an intimate theatre experience unlike any other.
Show runs through April 19 at the No Exit Café located at 6970 Glenwood. El: Red to Morse. Bus: 22 Clark (24 hrs), 155 Devon. Show times are Fri. & Sat. at 8pm, Sun. at 7pm. Regular admission is$30,$20 for students & industry members with valid ID on Sundays, $25 for senior citizens on Sundays. Dinner packages and group rates are also available. Tickets my be reserved by calling (773) 347-1109 or by visiting online at www.theoubique.org |
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