Gannon University’s Schuster Theatre will be at it again this spring with its final production of the year, the famous Broadway musical “Evita.”
Under the direction of Jax Vadney, “Evita” will be brought to life on the Schuster stage in late April.
This classic Broadway success tells the dramatic story of a young lady by the name of Eva Peron, who dreams of moving up in the world.
Along the way, she uses her charm and scandalous acts to make a name for herself.
In doing so, she eventually becomes the first lady of Argentina.
The people of Argentina adore her and look up to her as a huge figure for the nation.
However, Eva is full of doubt about some of the decisions she has made within her life despite the fact that she has gained everything that she had ever wanted.
“Evita” is portrayed through the powerful music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics of Tim Rice, who also wrote the hits “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
The music was first written in 1976 as a rock opera concert album.
The musical has been a hit since it first was shown on Broadway in 1979, where is was the first British musical to win the Best Musical Category for the Tony Awards.
“Evita” auditions were held Monday and Tuesday at the Schuster Theatre for those students interested in being a part of the production.
Students who auditioned were asked to either perform a song from the musical itself or one that fit the style of its music.
This production will act as the finale for the Schuster Theatre’s 2015-2016 season, which has included previous plays like the student-written “Stage Fright: Play Fest of Fear” and Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.”
The “Evita” performances will take place at 8 p.m. on April 21-23 and April 28-30.
There will also be another showing at 2 p.m. on May 1.
Alizabeth Leng, a sophomore advertising communications major who attended the auditions held Monday, believes that “Evita” is a great musical that will translate well on the Schuster stage.
“The story has action, love and history all in a classical musical setting.” she said.
“The musical also is a great show simply from a writing standpoint. The lyrics and lines flow very well, and themes of the show can be found throughout all of the works of Webber and other great musical writers.
RACHEL NYE
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