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| DAVIDSON COMMUNITY PLAYERS |
| Melissa Lozada plays the title character in Davidson Community Players’ production of “Evita” June 17-28 at Duke Performance Hall. Neifert Enrique is Che the narrator and Ron Turner Diaz is Argentinian President Juan Perón. |
Davidson Community Players is bringing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s acclaimed musical “Evita” to the stage before its 2027 return to Broadway.
The play, scheduled for June 17–28 at the Duke Family Performance Hall, tells the story of Argentina’s controversial First Lady Eva Perón from humble beginnings to political powerhouse includes music by Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.
The rock opera, which includes hits like “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” and “Buenos Aires,” is directed by DCP Executive Director Steve Kaliski, “Evita” as Perón’s rise from poverty to the charismatic pinnacle of national culture in the mid-20th century.
“In addition to a lushly memorable score full of toe tappers and aching ballads, it also forces us to grapple with our heroes,” Kaliski said in a statement. “What does it mean for an entire country to become so enamored with a charismatic yet flawed public figure? It’s no wonder this show refuses to go away.”
Kaliski was on the directing team for the 2012 Broadway revival of “Evita” starring Ricky Martin, Elena Roger, and Michael Cerveris.
Melissa Lozada is cast in the title role as Eva, alongside Neifert Enrique as Che, the narrator who challenges the audience. Ron Turner Diaz will portray Eva’s husband and ambitious Argentinian President Juan Perón. The creative team includes choreographer Tod Kubo and music director Matthew Primm.
DCP is one of the last U.S. companies to stage “Evita” before it returns to Broadway next year. The Broadway version of “Evita” will be a transfer of the West End show starring Rachel Zegler, who performed the acclaimed balcony number on a London street.
“Eva Perón pioneered the merger between politics and entertainment,” Kaliski said. “She showed both the grace and danger of a populism led by a truly charismatic figure, and we look forward to unpacking that in this Lake Norman production.”
The play is recommended for ages 10 and up. Ticket prices range from $20-$45, plus state taxes and fees.
