(Cover Photo: Isabella Bria Lopez as "Eva Perón," Ryan Mardesich as "Juan Perón" and the CAST of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical "EVITA" now playing at Reagle Music Theatre in Waltham, MA. through July 20, 2025. Photo Credit: Robert Pascucci)

By Kevin T. Baldwin

METRMAG Reviewer

# 774-242-6724

"Instead of government, we had a stage. Instead of ideas, a prima donna's rage!"                              

                                                                                                                 - ("Che") / Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice

Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston  

Presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's 

"EVITA"

Lyrics by Tim Rice

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Directed and Choreographed by Rachel Bertone

Music Director Dan Rodriguez

Original Broadway Production Directed by Harold Prince

Cast Includes: Isabella Bria Lopez as “Eva Perón,” Eddie Noel Rodríguez* as “Che,” Ryan Mardesich* as “Juan Perón,” Ricardo Holguin* as “Magaldi,” Rebekah Rae Robles* as “Mistress,” Emily Fortunato as “Young Girl,” Julia Osika as “Young Girl.”

Ensemble: Samantha Barnes, Vincent Bennett, Margarita Calhoun, Jean-Alfred Chavier (Perón u/s), Brian Pereira Coelho* (Dance Captain), Zaramaría Fas (Onstage Swing), Karina Gonzalez, Kenny Lee (Che u/s), Aleah Rose Mireles, Sophia Muharram (Mistress u/s), Wily Rory Nelson, Melissa Paz, Nick Potts, Elias Robles (Onstage Swing/Magaldi u/s), Isan Salem, Thomas Vice.

Additional Creative Team:

Associate Director - Sophie Pratt; Associate Music Directo - Mindy Cimini; Stage Manager - Elizabeth Yvette Ramirez*, Assistant Stage Managers - Em K Ross*, Alexis Bromander; Assistant Choreographer - Zaramaría Fas; Scenic Designer - Cameron McEachern**; Lighting & Projection Designer - Baron Pugh; Sound Designer/Audio Mixer - Sebastian Nixon; Props Master/Scenic Dresser - Jason M. Ries; Costume & Wig Design - Ellie DeLucia; Dramaturg - Carolyn Saxon; Fight Choreographer - Kenny Lee; Intimacy Coordinator - Kimberly MacCormack; EDI Consultant - Hannah Shihdanian; Set Construction - Wooden Kiwi; Orchestra Contractor - Jeffrey Leonard; Artistic Producer - Jay Pension; Production Manager - Michael Costa; Company Manager - Kimberly MacCormack.

*Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre, Reagle Music Theatre, and Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

**Credited as a member of United Scenic Artist Stage Managers in the United States.

Costumes provided by: Costume World Theatrical, Pompano Beach, FL. (www.costumeworld.com)

EVITA is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group (www.concordtheatricals.com)

Performances: 

July 11, 2025 through July 20, 2025

(Contact Box Office for Exact Times)

Robinson Theatre, REAGLE MUSIC THEATRE, 617 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA. 02452

TICKETS:            

By Phone # 781-891-5600

https://www.reaglemusictheatre.org/

Box Office Window:  Located under the Reagle Music Theatre marquee at Waltham High School. Box Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00am until 4:00pm

BUY TICKETS

COVID 19 PROTOCOLS

Contact Venue for Most Updated COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Information.

(Warning: The following review contains spoilers)

The latest from Reagle Music Theatre in Waltham offers up a dazzling spectacle of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical "EVITA."

(Editor's Note: Before this review proceeds, it is recommended anyone coming to see this musical telling of the "EVITA" story may want to first research some of the lifetime accomplishments of Eva Perón, many of which are excluded from this musical.)  

As presented in "EVITA," Eva Perón was neither a hero nor a villain. 

The real Eva Perón was a survivor who became an unrelenting global force with which to be reckoned. 

This striking Reagle Music Theatre production of "EVITA" explores her legacy and is a beautiful portrait painted by its director and choreographer, Rachel Bertone. 

The story is approached with the right blend of spirit and superb execution by its cast. 

Unlike Andrew Lloyd Webber’s other iconic musicals, with "EVITA" there are no plot-less dancing felines, rock and roll misfit kids, heavy metal crucifixions, flamboyantly styled dreamcoats nor a disfigured musical maniac wearing a ceramic half plate on his face. 

Instead, for whatever "EVITA" lacks in "hooks" and gimmickry, it more than makes up for in substance and in truth, or more than one person’s version of the truth. 

(Photo: Ryan Mardesich as "Juan Perón" embraces Isabella Bria Lopez as "Eva Perón" in a scene from the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical "EVITA" now playing at Reagle Music Theatre in Waltham, MA. through July 20, 2025. Photo Credit: Robert Pascucci)

Before Webber’s "EVITA" became a hit on Broadway in 1979, similar to his production "JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT," the musical, featuring lyrics by collaborator Tim Rice, began as a concept album. 

What ultimately evolved out of the "EVITA" concept on stage is a whirlwind funneling truth, love, hope, despair, idolatry, disappointment and pain. 

However, even given the above and as well presented by the folks at Reagle, "EVITA" is still one of those shows that maintains a more limited appeal compared to other Webber shows. 

Yet, for those hoping to become engaged by the score, Webber does not disappoint. "EVITA" well meets, or even surpasses, his usual standard. 

The willowy music combined with Rice’s resolute story and lyrics has much to do with the enduring appeal of “EVITA.” 

The lyrical architecture involved in the construct of the story is also ingenious, focusing on exposing the life of Argentine political celebrity, Eva Perón (Isabella Bria Lopez), aka "EVITA," second wife to Argentine president Juan Perón (Ryan Mardesich). 

(Photo: Ricardo 'Ricky' Holguin as "Magaldi" with Isabella Bria Lopez as "Eva Perón," in a scene from the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical "EVITA" now playing at Reagle Music Theatre in Waltham, MA. through July 20, 2025. Photo Credit: Robert Pascucci)

Eva Perón was a mover, shaker and, as First Lady of Argentina, became a political powerhouse unlike any before her. 

She shook the very fabric of a patriarchal ideology and nearly emasculated the entire Argentine male-dominated society. 

The people of Argentina became driven in their admiration of Eva Perón – by the “cult of celebrity” that this "EVITA" had become. 

There were those who adored her, envied her, praised her, followed her, elevated her to sainthood, felt threatened by her or even reviled her…but ultimately none could dismiss her. 

Isabella Bria Lopez not only has a commanding presence but is a veritable vocal dynamo as Eva Perón. 

Lopez renders an astounding vocal performance of the show's signature number, "Don't Cry For Me Argentina."    

(Photo: Isabella Bria Lopez as "Eva Perón," with Ryan Mardesich as "Juan Perón"  in an iconic moment from the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical "EVITA" now playing at Reagle Music Theatre in Waltham, MA. through July 20, 2025. Photo Credit: Robert Pascucci)

Working opposite Ryan Mardesich as the famed married couple, the duo has what can only be best described as a “businesslike chemistry” on stage. 

This chemistry seems intentional, allowing us to better view the Peróns' “unconventional” marriage arrangement. 

As presented throughout most of the story, this marriage seems predicated more on political partnership than on love. 

Yet, for them (at least if one is to buy into this story), it was a relationship that worked. 

As the pivotal character of “Che”, Eddie Noel Rodríguez also impresses as he successfully guides us along musically, occasionally inserting himself into the story as various characters. 

Interacting as both narrator and observer of "EVITA," Rodríguez resoundingly renders the Che numbers, including “High Flying Adored" and "A Waltz for Eva and Che," the latter of which is a duet with Lopez.   

Act One focuses on Perón’s early life to her rise to power, whereas in Act Two we observe her eventual political decline and, ultimately, her death (Yes, spoiler alert! - Eva Perón died of cervical cancer in 1952. She was only 33-years-old).

(Photo: Rebekah Rae Robles as "Mistress" in a scene from the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical "EVITA" now playing at Reagle Music Theatre in Waltham, MA. through July 20, 2025. Photo Credit: Robert Pascucci)

The first of two standout supporting Reagle Music Theatre performances comes from Ricardo ‘Ricky’ Holguin as crooner “Magaldi,” who effortlessly sings the melodic "On This Night of a Thousand Stars."  

A tango singer who is Eva's first lover, Magaldi proves nothing more than a steppingstone to Eva’s ambition of achieving fame in Buenos Aires. 

Charming, but ultimately proven self-serving, Eva quickly surpasses Magaldi in determination as she soon soars far beyond him in status. 

The second performance comes from Rebekah Rae Roble as former “Mistress” of Juan Perón, immediately ousted by Eva, as Roble’s character laments in the tender, melancholy "Another Suitcase in Another Hall.”  

Together, the Peróns conspired and built an empire of wealth concealed from and on the backs of those who put them in power, yet still their supportive Argentine "constituents" stood by them. (Not that this could ever happen in America, right?) 

Eva Perón would even become forever linked with the "soul" of Argentina with herself proclaimed as a "Spiritual Leader of the Nation." 

Like other history-based musicals such as "HAMILTON," there are many who might find themselves invested in the subject matter. 

Some may even remember, all too well, this significant period in world history as Eva Perón forced those in power to look toward her. 

To complete the Reagle musical portrait as painted by director/choreographer Bertone, use of a single set design works quite effectively thanks to the incorporation of specialized lighting which is exquisitely executed on stage. 

Costumes and make-up elements are also used in a simply brilliant manner. 

(Photo: Isabella Bria Lopez as "Eva Perón," Ryan Mardesich as "Juan Perón" and the CAST of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical "EVITA" now playing at Reagle Music Theatre in Waltham, MA. through July 20, 2025. Photo Credit: Robert Pascucci)

However, where "EVITA" may come up short (and which is totally out of the control of anyone involved) is in actual interest for the “source material.” 

There will be those who simply DO NOT CARE about the Perón saga, despite its magnificent score and despite the marvelous execution by Reagle Music Theatre. 

This lack of interest by some cannot be helped. 

However, for those who CAN appreciate the impactful story as presented, it continues to resonate even after 47 years. 

Under the Music Direction of Dan Rodriguez, every musical number flows magnificently, including show standards, “You Must Love Me” and “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” 

As usual, the phenomenal Reagle Music Theatre orchestra executes the vivacious "EVITA" score and reminds us all of the joy of listening to live music as it supports the performers on stage.

Other standout numbers from the incredibly powerful "EVITA" vocal ensemble include "Requiem for Evita," "And the Money Kept Rolling In," and the first act closer, "A New Argentina."

"EVITA" continues at Reagle Music Theatre in Waltham, MA. through July 20^th, 2025 and concludes this season's ongoing theme of "True Stories, Unforgettable Journeys."  

For tickets or more information, check out Reagle Music Theatre by visiting them online at https://www.reaglemusictheatre.org/ or by calling them at # 781-891-5600.   

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Approximately two hours, 20 minutes with one intermission.

Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)

@MetrmagReviews

@Theatre_Critics

ABOUT THE SHOW 

Step into the dazzling world of Eva Perón, Argentina's First Lady who captured the hearts of a nation and the attention of the world. 

Featuring Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's unforgettable score, including the timeless classic "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," "EVITA" brings to life the meteoric rise of one of history's most captivating figures. 

From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of power and fame, Eva's journey is told with electrifying passion, sweeping melodies, and breathtaking choreography. 

A story of ambition, love, and legacy, "EVITA" is an inspiring theatrical masterpiece you won't want to miss. 

ABOUT REAGLE MUSIC THEATRE OF GREATER BOSTON

REAGLE MUSIC THEATRE OF GREATER BOSTON's mission is to present the highest quality of musical theatre productions by combining talented regional performers with professional performers and technicians, thus providing an unusual learning experience for its regular members and more enjoyable experiences for its audiences. REAGLE MUSIC THEATRE is committed to using the skills of its company to strengthen and enhance teaching and learning in the Waltham Public Schools by educating youth to the joys of theatre, and by using theatre techniques to enhance learning in other curriculum areas. Our offerings include musicals, concerts, revues, educational programming, New York theatergoing trips, and more.

REAGLE MUSIC THEATRE OF GREATER BOSTON, INC.

617 Lexington Street

Waltham, MA. 02452

Phone # 781-891-5600

FAX # 781-701-0750

www.reaglemusictheatre.org