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Evita Reviews
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| 1 |
Utterly Fascinating Review by: Beth M., Jan 19, 2013 |
I found Evita to be utterly fascinating and it was wonderful to hear all that music which I love and hadn't heart in a long, long time. I thought it was a very effective and well done production and was quite powerful..
I found the approach to be more "sinister" that I had remembered which is not a put down at all. I think over the past 30 years I have a far, far, far more heightened awareness of politics and the realities of the kind of ... read more government portayed and the behind the scenes intrigues; the brutal power struggles; the deep hypocrisy; the climb to fame through seduction, or call it what you will. So it seemed much more "real" to me that when I saw this in the late 1970's/early 1980's. And thus, darker. And I like dark.
I thought Elana Roger. even though a bit "odd," for want of a better word, was really spectacular. Her icy, cold presence really seemed to fit so well with the whole concept of the musical. For me, Elana was a perfect Evita in terms of her portrayal. And she seems so unashamed if notes here and there were a bit off key, if she had to scream through parts of a song, and she was was pretty abandoned and wild. And this appealed to me. And I like the fact that she is Argentinian. I did have the hearing assisted device had almost no difficulty understanding her. Her English was charming, accent and all, which added to the authenticity of her performance. She is one hot lady!! And she can act, pretty much!!
As always, Michael Cerveris, was wonderful and has a beautiful voice. His was a more loving and touching Peron that I remember from previous incarnations. He really seemed to truly love Evita, which I didn't remember--my recall was this was more of a "marriage of convenience" or should I say, "advantage."
I thought that Ricky Martin was the "weakest link" because he doesn't seem to "act!!" He certainly delivered a respectable performance, though I didn't find his voice to be all that spectacular in this role. But my main criticism of him was that he seemed to me to lack that biting edge that I believe is absolutely necessary for this role. He certainly delivered all of the lyrics, which basically say it all for him, but he was a but too much of kind soul to me to be truly convincing.
I even though of possibly seeing it again before it closes, though this is just a little over a week, so chances are I won't. But I would like to.
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| 2 |
Went in with an open mind but Elena Rogers was awful. No ifs, and or buts Review by: Bigguyy, Dec 11, 2012 |
| I have never seen the Patti Lupone version so I went in with an open mind.Based on reviews here. I thought she may not be the best Eva Peron. Ever, but I didn't realize just how bad she is. The good news is I heard she is leaving the show soon. Never had I been at a show where the lead character was booed at the curtain call( it's a good things there were no Tomatoes around.) I did thing Ricky Martin was ok, at least you can understand what he ... read more was singing.( I hear he is leaving also. I don't like to criticize, but this Eva is way out of her league in this show.Its a mystery to me why she wasn't replaced since everyone basically hated her.The rest of the cast tries, but when the lead is this bad, it's brings down everything else. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 3 |
Don't cry for Ricky, or for Patti Review by: ,, Nov 13, 2012 |
Personally, some of my faith in musical theatre has been lost with this revival of Evita. Don't get me wrong, it's a wonderful show, with a compelling score and stirring story, but the only thing that makes me so annoyed (and I don't usually get annoyed, I'm open-minded...I mean, I tried to see good in Lestat, for heaven's sake) is Ricky Martin.
I went to this show with a completely open mind...I had never seen Evita or heard ... read more it's score. I only vaguely knew the story of Eva Peron, so I was excited. Heck, I only knew Ricky Martin vaguely as well...he only existed in the back of my head (I'm not saying I hated him, I'm just saying I knew he was famous, and that's that. Indifference, I guess).
But I'm dead sure that a lot of the audience only came to see Ricky Martin, and you could tell, too...when he made is first entrance as Che, the audience gave a standing ovation. I mean, what the heck? He hasn't even done anything yet!
Some singers induce so much vibrato that the original intended pitch is lost. Martin falls under that category. A lot of his held notes sound so messy because of his vibrato, which I especially noticed in "A New Argentina" and to a lesser extent, "High Flying, Adored". This show has been around for quite a long time now, but when I first saw it, he messed up his lyrics? I know we're human, and things slip up once in a while, so I let that slide. I saw Evita three more times after that, and he messed up the lyrics somewhere in every single show I saw. I'm willing to call it coincidence, but I don't know...
His acting was quite good though, and the feelings he delivers with that and his singing was good and did much to move the story along, which is good.
I guess all I'm trying to say is that while Ricky Martin does a good job as Che, he's become overrated. In fact, if he ever leaves the show, I fear for the show's survival, not because of his singing and acting, but because of his star status. I mean, in all marketing, he is put first in front of everyone else. I though Eva was the most foremost character, not Che? But enough about Ricky Martin...on to other matters.
Speaking of Eva, Elena Roger...well, I don't think she's as bad as everyone says she is. I don't think she was blow-my-socks-off amazing, but I think she does it good job in portraying the complex figure that is Eva Peron.
I noticed a lot of Elena's haters all seem to be glorifying Patti LuPone...and while I have now heard Patti sing the score through YouTube and all that and agree she was fantastic, I think it's unfair to pit Elena against Patti. Both portrayed Eva in completely different ways (and I am sure of this, since we're all human and different), and both are from different times.
Anyway, moving on...sure, Elena's a little shrill sometimes, but I think that's her voice speaking, not her technique...her speaking voice is somewhat thin as well (that's not to say it's a bad thing). Also, people don't like change...they first heard Patti, and now they want Patti again. Elena isn't Patti now, is she? It's exactly what's happened with Phantom and its 2004 movie, Love Never Dies, and its UK 2012 Tour...but that's another story.
The cast overall was very good. I especially liked Michael Cerveris' sensitive portrayal of Juan Peron. The music, as well, was very good in its flavor and driving action, with many memorable tunes such as "Don't Cry For Me Argentina", "You Must Love Me", and "Buenos Aires". The set managed to fit in so many elements of the various locations of Argentina the show portrays as well, and I think it is in part because of the lighting, which is done magnificently.
I think I should wrap it up now...so overall, as someone who did not previously see the original production of Evita, nor see its movie, I think this is a wonderful revival. I suggest that you come in with an open mind, with no original Evita baggage attached (and no Ricky Martin baggage attached, either), and if you do so, you will enjoy this show. With that baggage, you're likely to snipe and moan. And in the end, you're the one that's unhappy, and that hurts you and no one else. I mean, none of the people involved with Evita are going to cry for you now, are they? |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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| 4 |
Traditional Broadway show Review by: Craiggers46, Oct 28, 2012 |
Saw the matinee on 10/20. This was Laurel Harris' first performance as Eva; she had a lot of supporters in the audience, and her curtain call was very moving to see. Overall, I really enjoyed the show, which was my first time seeing "Evita" on stage, so my only point of comparison is the Madonna movie. This is old school Broadway with many big production numbers and lots of dancing. Ricky Martin was good, as was Michael Cerveris and ... read more Laurel Harris. I would see this again.
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 5 |
Beautiful Timeless Classic Review by: Merlin53, Oct 4, 2012 |
| Attended the 10/3 afternoon matinee with all 3 stars performing. This beautiful, timeless classic is a must see for the romantics,music lovers and Andrew Lloyd Webber fans of the world. This was a show I took my future and still lovely wife to see when we first started dating over 30 years ago, incredible(and at times, haunting)score, sets, lighting, chorus, pace, direction all top rate. Miss Rodgers, Ricky Martin, and Michael Cerveris were all ... read more riveting in their roles. As for the criticism of Miss Rodgers vocals, totally unfounded. Excellent interpretation of the material and even more appealing with her Argentinian accent. Gave a natural quality to the overall performance.Highly recommend you see this production. True Broadway at it's best !!!! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 6 |
Fantastic Evening of Theatre Review by: Jake, Oct 1, 2012 |
| What a beautiful evening!!! This production was wonderful and I left the theatre really feeling the flavor of Argentina... something I truely felt was lacking in past productions. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
The Entire Family
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| 7 |
A Musical With Star Quality Review by: EvaDuarteDePeron, Sep 28, 2012 |
Please do not listen to any negative comments about this show.
It was SUPERB.
Does Elena Roger have the belting voice of Patti LuPone or Elaine Paige? No. But that's okay, she was still GOOD! Her voice was good, her acting was good, her dancing was excellent.
Ricky Martin has improved greatly over the past few months. Not only is his singing and dancing good but now his acting is as well. He's finally learned how to ... read more play Che correctly.
Max Von Essen and Michael Cerveris were excellent as Magaldi and Peron.
Costumes, sets, and music were all gorgeous.
Go see it. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Tourists, Adults
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| 8 |
Review by: Chris, Jul 22, 2012 |
I was scheduled to see the 7/20/12 performance of Evita. Let's face facts, the reason most folks are going to see this revival is due to the presence of Ricky Martin. Elena Rogers as Evita is simply not the reason that the audience is going to see this show. (Aside from being from Argentia, Elena Rogers has very few similarities to the charismatic Eva Perone. And for those of us who can still remember the way a young Patti Lupone tore up the ... read more stage as Eva, suffice it to say that Ms. Rogers is a very poor replacement.)
Mr. Martin was on vacation last week, and his vacation schedule was posted on most of the familiar broadway websites so patrons could decide if they wanted to see the show or see Mr. Martin. It was a great disappointment for most in the audience to hear the announcement that the role of Che, ordinarily played by Ricky Martin, would be played by his understudy. We were subsequently told by theater staff that Mr. Martin wanted to extend his vacation. (That is just not acceptable -- since Mr. Martin is advertised as the star of the show, and a significant number of people in the audience were there to see Ricky only, it is inexcusable for him to extend his vacation without providing notice. In the private sector, you would get fired for such a cavalier attitude with clients.)
The theater advised that it would issue refunds to anyone who wanted their money back, but by that time (8:05 p.m.), all of the other Broadway shows had started, so it was Evita or nothing.
I decided to stay, and was disappointed by the choice. Most of the ensemble players, Michael Cervantes and Elena Rogers tried to recreate the 1980s version of the show (without success). Yes, the score is as catchy as ever, and one song from the movie was interwoven into the original score. But, this show is clearly not worth the $150 per ticket that they are requesting.
I anticipate that once Mr. Martin leaves this show, it will quickly close and become a distant memory.
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 9 |
AMAZING! Review by: Ev, Jul 13, 2012 |
| I saw the show the first night, Elena Roger was on vacation. I was disappointed but eventually grew to love the insanely talented Eva alternate, Christina DeCicco. I would not be surprised if eventually she replaces Roger in the iconic role. Ricky Martin, as well as the rest of the cast were outstanding. The choreography, the lighting, the sets were breathtaking. All in all, It was a great show and should not be missed! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
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| 10 |
Eva Peron Miscast Review by: kimz11, Jul 11, 2012 |
| What the powers at be were thinking when they cast Elena Roger as Eva Peron is beyond me! When you consider that Patti Lupone portrayed Eva in the original Broadway production, and Madonna did the role for the movie (both strong women with strong voices), to select Elena Roger with a Minnie Mouse singing voice is mind boggling and a huge disappointment. I did not get from Ms. Roger's performance, the sense at all that Eva Peron was a strong,... read more, driven woman. Having said that, the rest of the cast and crew did a great job. The sets were good and I did, in the end, enjoy the show once I got past the whole Minnie Mouse thing. If you really want to see Evita, rent the movie and save yourself some money. |
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| 11 |
Don't Cry For Me Argen...., No, Actually Cry For the Audience! Review by: Auntief, Jul 9, 2012 |
| I had the feeling that both Elena Rogers and Ricky Martin "phoned" in their performances. Maybe new audiences will enjoy their performances, but for those that saw Patti and Mandy, this revival won't pass muster! |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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| 12 |
Very poor singer this Eva Peron Review by: Nicedoc4433, Jul 8, 2012 |
| Saw the show today. Ricky Martin was on vacation but his stand in was good, however, Elena Rogers if ( in my opinion) horribly liscast in the Role of Eva Peron. She has no stage presence whatsoever and her voice is weak and strained. I agree with a previous reviewer that she sounds exactly like Minnie mouse. Otherwise show was good, but when the main character is weak. It drags down everything else. She wasn't believable as Eva at all. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Seniors
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| 13 |
WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT!!!! Review by: , Jul 8, 2012 |
WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT!!!!
THE LEAD HAS GOT TO GO! SHE DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO SING. YELLING (OUT OF TUNE WAS MORE LIKE IT) .SHE COULD NOT EVEN CARRY THE ACTING ROLE OF EVA PERONE. I BROUGHT 150 PEOPLE TO THIS PRODUCTION IN A THEATER GROUP AND THE VOTE WAS UNANIMOUS, WHAT A WAST OF MONEY!!! A FABULOUS MUSICAL WAS MURDERED AND BURIED! I LOVE RICKY MARTIN, BUT IT SEEMED LIKE HE WAS HAVING TROUBLE GETTING THROUGH THE ENTIRE PRODUCTION.... read more. MANDY POTAMKIN, HE'S NOT!! |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 14 |
Ms. Rogers vocal performance falls short Review by: JR, Jun 20, 2012 |
| I attended the 6/19 performance. Ms. Roger's vocals (shrill, tinny and incomprehensible) performance was weak and uninspiring. Mr. Martin and Mr. Ceveris tried admirably to save the night; however, they could not. I should have followed advice and attended a performance with the understudy as Evita. We paid top dollar for tickets and were very dissapointed. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 15 |
Was very disappointed Review by: kd, Jun 14, 2012 |
Poor performance by Elena Rodgers - her singing was screaming, and off key no passion put into the part, Rickey Martin - just sang the words, again for such a passionate part,he put very little into it, while he is a great singer, he is not much of an actor.
I have seen better productions in Summer & High School theater.
Saw the original on Broadway and have and will always love the music - but the 2 leads were so bad, I wanted to ... read more get up and leave = kept hoping for something to change.
Can't imagine how this will stay open with the Rodgers and Martin |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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