By OLIVIA MAYBANK
Special to the Palisades News
Palisades High School will presents Evita, a rock operetta by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, on April 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30 at 7 p.m. in Mercer Hall, with additional shows at 2 p.m. on April 23 and 30. Tickets are $10 for students, $15 general, $20 VIP and may be purchased at the door or online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2540503.
Evita tells the story of Eva Perón, wife to Argentine dictator Juan Perón, and her journey from a poor village to the Casa Rosada.
The musical takes place from the 1930s to the 1950s as Argentina transitions from a democratic military rule to one of fascism, inspired by the Peróns. The musical begins with a young and impoverished Eva Duarte, who out of sheer determination makes her way to become a famous actress in Buenos Aires. At the expense of others, Eva climbs her way to the top. Her moment of actualization arrives when she convinces the politician Juan Perón to both marry her and run for President.
An incredibly demanding role, the part is shared by two actresses, sophomore Roberta Alaman and senior Danika Masi.
“What I found through my research is that Eva Perón, while looked upon as a saint to the people of Argentina, was not so saint-like in her actions,” Masi said. “This musical naturally romanticizes this woman, but we had to look past the surface of this character in creating our own version of Eva Perón.”
Though many of Eva’s actions were questionable, Alaman felt it was important to be able to relate to her character. “I really connected with the character after I realized that she was just a girl who wanted to be admired and respected and accepted as a part of a community.”
The out-of-the-ordinary rock operetta style of Evita has made it a particularly challenging task. However, this challenge wasn’t so great as to undermine the undeniable talent and professionalism of the drama department at Pali.
“Over 70 people have spent months dedicating their time to Evita,’” Masi said. “I am constantly overwhelmed and amazed by the talented people involved in this musical.”
“Pali has never done the ‘high school’ version of any production and we don’t intend on starting now,” Alaman added. “I think what will set Evita apart is the talent that our ensemble brings to such a challenging Broadway production.”
Roberta Alaman (above) and Danika Masi (below) are sharing the title role in the Palisades High School production of Evita. Photos: Kiana Toossi
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