EXCELLENT singing from the leads highlighted a good production of “Evita”.
Director Jim McMullen carefully marshalled a large and enthusiastic cast on an impressive and functional set designed by him in collaboration with the talented Ian Croker.
Kelly Roberts took some time to totally command her bittersweet role but, by Act 2, she was in total control and was most believable as the complex character Eva Peron.
Grant Pegg, as Che, the singing narrator of this Rice/Lloyd Webber musical, was equally impressive with crisp, clean diction, sound pitch and fine character interpretation.
His opening number, “O What a Circus”, which followed a well-staged “Requiem” scene, was most effective in setting up the story. His duet with Eva, “High Flying Adored”, was aptly emotional.
Tony Falla was a sympathetic and sincere Juan Peron, his rendition of “She is a Diamond” was suitably reflective and calm while Mathew Chardon O’Dea displayed his wide vocal range to fine advantage as the tango singer Magaldi.
The chorus suffered ill balance with amplified sound as did the orchestra, which often sounded empty and restrained. When unleashed at the end of Act 1 and during the “Entr’acte” the full orchestra sound, under the direction of Casey White, was robust and energetic. Softer sections exposed technical playing deficiencies and tuning weaknesses, particularly in the strings, were irritating.
For the show to advance beyond the level of “good” more attention to finer detail is required. For example, the chorus almost always failed to cut off together at the end of phrases making those moments loose and untidy and an unfortunate foil to the often fine harmonies just sung.
The visual effect of the otherwise excellent “Army” chorus (well drilled by choreographers Shasha Chen and Eliza Shephard) was marred by basic weaknesses such as sloppy and uneven arm-swing movements.
Quibbles apart, the buzz amongst those heading to the car park, as they hummed “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”, indicated they had enjoyed an entertaining and rewarding evening of musical theatre.
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