San Francisco Playhouse Concludes 2023-24 Season with Lively Pop-Rock Musical “Evita”
by Darlene Jurow
San Francisco Playhouse’s 2023-24 season concludes with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Evita”, currently performing through September 7 at San Francisco Playhouse (450 Post Street).
This captivating musical explores the life and meteoric rise of First Lady of Argentina Eva Peron, transforming from a poor child to an ambitious actress, to the most powerful woman in Latin America as the wife of military leader-turned president Juan Peron.
San Francisco Playhouse has assembled a terrific cast of talented actors to bring this acclaimed musical to life. Sophia Alawi is brilliant as she stars in the role of Eva Peron, a fiery and fearless woman who becomes the first Lady of Argentina. Alawi propels the audience with her stunning voice as she nails “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” as well as another couple of takeaway tunes. Alawi is excellent in probing Evita’s character effectively, showing her love of luxury as noted in “Rainbow High”.
Meanwhile, Alex Rodriguez returns to the Playhouse as the show’s narrator and as the political activist Che. He and Alawi are an excellent pairing in their roles as Che is a kind, charming, sympathetic counterpart to Evita’s more powerful, selfish, self-serving nature. Through his eyes the audience can envision the corruption (“High Flying, Adored’) and contempt that takes place.
Peter Gregus makes his Playhouse debut as Juan Peron, an army officer who rises to become the President of Argentina, while Chanel Tilghman also makes her Playhouse debut as Peron’s mistress. Jura Davis returns to the Playhouse as Agustin Magaldi, a charming man with whom Eva has her first love affair.
Others in this outstanding cast include Malia Abayon, Christine M. Capsuto-Shulman, Chachi Delgado, Gabriella Goldstein, Cesar Lino, Dian Sitip Meechai, Deanalis Arocho Resto, River Bermudez Sanders, and Nicholas Tabora.
The creative team for “Evita” is stellar. The offstage band, led by Dave Dobrusky, brings the production to life with a bright score. Costumes by Abra Berman, scenic design by Heather Kenyon, sound design by Janes Ard, projections by Sarah Phykkit, and great choreography by Nicole Helfer all deserve accolades.
“Evita” is a classic Broadway musical that San Francisco Playhouse brings to life with an iconic script and a number of knockout musical numbers. It’s definitely worth seeing. For tickets or more information please visit sfplayhouse.org or phone the box office at (415) 677-9596.
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Photo caption: The cast of San Francisco Playhouse's "Evita," currently performing through September 7, 2024. (Photo Credit: Jessica Palopoli)