Evita cast explores Shrewsbury during show's Theatre Severn run
One of the world’s most popular musicals has arrived in Shrewsbury – and that means a new town to explore for its actors.
Bill Kenwright’s production of Evita has been called A Monumental Show and is at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn until Saturday.
Following its smash hit runs in London, the show is thrilling audiences once again across the UK.
Telling the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Evita follows Eva’s journey from humble beginnings through to extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status, which ultimately led her to be heralded as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’ by the Argentine people.
Starring two of musical theatre’s most outstanding leading performers, Madalena Alberto returns to the role of Eva, for which she received critical acclaim during a 2014 West End revival. Other theatre credits include the role of Piaf at the Curve Theatre and Fantine in the 25th anniversary production of Les Misérables.
Joining her in the role of Che, fresh from the recent West End production, is Gain Marco Schiaretti, who also played the title role in Disney’s production of Tarzan.
Schiaretti said he was thrilled to have arrived in Shrewsbury.
“It is my first time in the town and I have been looking forward to it,” he said.
“I started the tour in December 2016 and it’s been a year-and-a-half on the road.
“We had four months in the West End last season. That was a wonderful experience. Every time you put on stage a revival, the people want to see something new. They don’t want you to imitate.
“Being in the West End was a very nice environment and I found the whole thing a dream. But I can’t tell any differences between the audiences in the West End and those around the UK.”
Schiaretti said fans were in for a treat with the performance of Alberto in the title role. He added: “Madelana is amazing. The way she performs Evita every night is incredible. She puts so much effort and passion into it. She really drives the audience and us, too, on stage. We are completely involved when she plays every single moment in the show. She’s a performer with a great attitude and dedication. I think it’s a great example. It’s good to have people like Madelana.”
Featuring some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre, including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, On This Night of a Thousand Stars and Another Suitcase in Another Hall, Evita promises to be one of the biggest shows to visit Shropshire this year.
