STAGE REVIEW

Three stars

EVITA


Phoenix Theater’s production of the seven-time Tony Award-winning musical “Evita,” at St. Paul’s Hall in Glastonbury is not to be missed.
From the show’s leading characters to the well-rehearsed chorus, musicians, sets, choreography, and costumes, this clearly challenging show was convincingly performed.
The costumes, by Starr McLean, were simple but effective, with the cast in basic black, and changing jackets for shawls or military garb when appropriate. Eva Peron’s outfits, of which there were many, were gorgeous.
The set was spread out into four separate areas in the basement of St. Paul’s Hall — a bar, a radio station, a bedroom, and military office — on either side of the stage where the band was located.
This creative solution to a less than ideal space worked perfectly, and saved the need for major set changes which helped keep the production on the move.
And move it did. This musical does not allow for any margin of error for two hours. With the syncopated rhythms and musical dialog, it is clear that if any of the actors missed one line, they would be sunk. There is no safety net in this musical high-wire act.
Fortunately, none was needed.
Joyce Sakowicz played Eva Peron with a charisma and charm that was enthralling with a fine, strong clear voice.
Jason Ferrandino’s narrator Che blended the right balance of anger, admiration and sarcasm with power and conviction.
Jim Metzler, who played Juan Peron, was also convincing as the Argentinean general who loved and admired remarkably ambitious wife.
John Peifer as Augustin Magaldi was pitch-perfect as the sleazy lounge lizard who was Evita’s first in a long line of lovers.
The band was excellent and never overpowered any of the performers, who each gave it their all.

Theater: Phoenix Theater Company

Location: St. Paul’s Hall, 40 Naubuc Ave., Glastonbury.

Production: Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Lyrics by Tim Rice. Directed by Chris Ryan. Produced by Maggie Jackson. Musical direction by Jason Ferrandino. Choreographed by Keri Boe. Costumes by Starr McLean. Tech direction by Roy Ryzak. Light operator, Debbie Staves. Spotlight operator, Stacy Constantine. Sound operator, Chris Ryan. Poster design by Peter Riley. Playbill by Keri Boe. House manager, Patrique Hurde. House staff, Emily Mazotas and Kate Shaw

Band: Aaron Sinicrope on piano, Mark Monroe on drums, Stevie Ray on guitar, and Steve Anderson on bass

Running Time: Two hours with one intermission

Show Times: Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., and Sunday 2 p.m. through Sept. 29.

Tickets: $20, $18 for students and senior citizens. Call 860-291-2988

Actor...Character
Jason Ferrandino...Che
Joyce Sakowicz... Eva Peron
Jim Metzler...Juan Peron
John Peifer...Augustin Magaldi
Jessica Reily...Mistress
Samantha Frank, Evan Galatz, Maggie Jackson, Stephen Kelly, Jessica LaRussa, Doug Seelye, Jennifer Swerdlick...Chorus