Theater Review: 'Evita' at Musicals at Richter

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member Nancy Sasso Janis

Musicals at Richter in Danbury opens its 41st season “under the stars” with a stunning production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical “Evita.” Performances continue, weather permitting, through July 19.

“MAR” prides itself on being Connecticut’s longest running outdoor theater and the weather was cooperative for “Evita’s” opening weekend.

The sung through musical, which began as a rock opera concept album, examines the rise to fame of Argentine political leader Eva Perón, the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón. The composers have imbued the story with a score that reaches across a wide range of musical styles and can be challenging to perform.

Donald E. Birely is responsible for the direction and staging of what can be a challenging production and he succeeds on both counts. Andrew Gadwah works as musical director, teaching the intricate harmonies to the cast and conducting the pit orchestra in the tent. Kudos to the singers on their fine pronunciation of the Spanish and Latin lyrics.

Choreographer Matthew Farina, marking his 21st summer at Richter, adds just the right touch with his dance combinations that fit the era, from tango to sharp soldier movements. Farina appears in virtually all of his dance numbers, including an Argentinian tango with Dance Captain Jackie Ziegelmeier, thanks to many quick changes of his costume.

The Richter cast is filled with talent, with a large ensemble of great singer/dancers that the production team have guided well. Jazzy Cores (Rizzo in last year’s “Grease”) returns to this stage to tackle the big role of Eva Perón. In his Richter debut, Gariel Mantanaro is a stellar Che, the tenor narrator of Evita’s story arc.

Michael Solano sings wonderfully in the role of the president of Argentina, Juan Peron, and gets to share the stage with his daughter, youth ensemble member Catherine Solano. Thomas Koo, who holds a Masters in Vocal Performance from Ithaca College, sings the role of Magaldi with a great stage presence.

Lauren Dattilo steps up to play the role of Perón’s mistress who is unceremoniously dumped by Evita in “Another Suitcase in Another Hall.” This role, often joked about as a character that quickly disappears, is the perfect showcase for this WestConn sophomore Musical Theatre major from Southington.

Ensemble members cover the roles of Eva’s family members, Argentinian officials, dancing soldiers, aristocrats dressed in black and white and the people of Argentina that blindly adore their first lady, including a dedicated youth ensemble. Kudos to the featured soloists Helen Seda, Natalie Ziegelmeier and Robert Bria, and Polina Mylus from Woodbury and JP Akter from Derby are featured in the ensemble.

The costumes provided by DB Productions Costume Rental, located in Ossining, NY and owned by Birely, enhance each of the characters perfectly. The wardrobe was coordinated by wig designer Stephanie Salsman. The citizens of Argentina sport period costumes that allow them to perform their spirited dance moves and beautiful looks for the aristocrats were probably my favorite. The costumes for Eva reflect the growth in her political stature, from a lowly “chorus girl” to the wanna be vice president of the country. It is fun to watch Eva’s maids dress her in couture during “Rainbow High,” where the lyricist turns the names of the designers into verbs. My one quibble is why she was not given a blouse to wear under the fitted jacket that would cover the laces in the front of her bustier, for there was plenty of time.

The completion of Phase III of the “Renaissance of Richter” has brought a proper lighting truss system this year, allowing for a more professional look to the lighting (designed by Eric Schutz/RKE Productions,) as well as additional audience seating. The installation of the truss sets the stage for the final major goal of the construction of a roof over the stage. Fundraising efforts have begun for the construction of a dedicated, protected performance space for the orchestra.

This is an impressive production of a musical that can be tricky to stage. “Evita” is presented with one 15-minute intermission. For tickets, visit musicalsatrichter.org.

Nancy Sasso Janis is the membership chair of the Connecticut Critics Circle (ctcritics.org.)