Evita! at Stratford Festival
Evita! is one of the early works of Andrew Lloyd Weber – in 1979 he
collaborated with Tim Rice who wrote the lyrics for this play.
They have worked together on a number of other famous musical
masterpieces. What can I say – the music is great,
with famous melodies, famous songs working so well together.
This production of Evita! must be the best I have ever seen, and I have seen a few. It opens
with a movie being played in 1953 – old fashioned black
and white, jagged projection and stilted speech – being
interrupted by the news of Evita’s death. Argentina and
Argentineans are in shock in their grief. And then the whole
story of the life of their greatest heroine, the most loved
Santa Evita, rolls in front of us.
There are different approaches possible for Evita’s
production: Evita the actress, Evita the slut, Evita the career
woman, Evita the patriot. This production paints Evita as an
ambitious progressive woman, a true patriot loving and being
loved by Argentina’s people. There is some mention
of her pre-Peron life; however, the choice of costumes and
presentation tones it down considerably. There is also mention
of millions stashed in the Swiss bank accounts, but it is
marginal to Evita's love for the people and being loved by the
people. The memory of Evita the Saint and Evita the Patriot is
very much alive in Buenos Aires, where Casa Rosada is viewed
primarily as a palace where Evita and Peron resided, and only
incidentally as the government office. The tomb
where she is buried is a prominent historical
site.
 This practically sold out show is directed by Gary Griffin, with
choreography by Tracey Flye. Chillina Kennedy and Juan Chioran
as Peron play leading roles. Remember them from West Side
Story? They
do have a future in the acting world. Chillina Kennedy as Evita
is wonderful, more elegant than sluty, and Juan Chioran embodies
Peron with his mannerisms better than anyone would imagine.
Somehow his own background - born in Argentina - must have
helped.
Evita! at Avon Theatre continues to the end of October
and, believe me, it is worth the trip to Stratford!
Tempest at Festival Theatre, Stratford
This summer there is much less murder on the stage in Stratford.
Tempest is one of those shakespearian plays about
goodwill and reconciliation, including magical tricks and a
happy wedding. It even hints at retirement. A bit of a change,
if I may say so.
 In this production, the central figure of Prospero is acted by
Christopher Plummer, relaxed, mature and so much appreciated. He
has an almost tangible relationship
with the audience, we have seen each other before, please be
yourself, we appreciate you so much. His magic is playful and
beautifully managed by the stage crew. His relationship with his
daughter Miranda, played by Trish Lindström, is more relaxed,
indulgent, and showing more of an emotional bond than in other
productions.
Besides Plummer, another captivating figure is Ariel, played by
Julyana Soelistyo. This role is usually given to strong male
actors, this time it is a female of almost childlike stature
flying about in the air, appearing somewhere high up on the
cliff, running to Prospero with the cry “Yes, master?” She is
amazing, light and magical, playful and dreamlike. Somehow she
does not belong to the group of island spirits, perhaps Ariel is not even real, perhaps only the
product of Prospero’s imagination. The idea of making her (it?)
so different from anyone, even with the attire, is so innovative
and amazing. What a great idea!
Tempest is directed by Des McAnuff. In 2008 he directed
Ceasar and Cleopatra, another success now
available in DVD. Among actors, some working at Stratford for
years, some in debut, worth noticing is James Blendick. And as I
said – the stage design aspects of lighting, music and magical
tricks are outstanding.
Tempest is running until mid September. If you plan to
see it – call the box office. At the performance I attended
there were no seats left and last minute visitors were turned
away. Sorry.
The box office number is 1-800-567-1600 or connect to
www.statfordshakespearefestival.com
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