Cygnet Theatre announces cast, creative team for “Evita”
By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–Cygnet Theatre announced the cast and creative team of its latest production, the Tony Award-winning musical, “Evita.”
Based on true events, “Evita” tells the story of Eva Perón’s rags-to-riches life as she goes from poor provincial child to First Lady of Argentina. A champion of the working-class descamisados, she uses popularity and politics to serve her people – and herself. Both a beloved and controversial (and even hated) figure, her influence has left a lasting legacy on an entire country.
Featuring some of the musical theatre’s most iconic songs, including “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina,” this musical masterpiece won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. The 1996 film adaptation was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning for Best Original Song.
“Evita,” with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, will be directed by Sean Murray.
“I’ve been obsessed with this musical since 1977 when I first saw it in previews with the original cast,” said Murray. “It’s incredible to think about how the intimacy of what happens in personal relationships can have an impact on an entire nation. The fascinating thing about this story is that Eva Peron’s hold on Argentina exists to this very day. I can’t wait to share Evita and its extraordinary music with Cygnet audiences.”
The titular role of Eva Perón is played by Ariella Kvashny. Berto Fernandez plays her husband Juan Perón and Richard Bermudez steps into the role of the charismatic narrator Ché. The rest of the ensemble cast in alphabetical order includes Susana Cafasso-Alvarado, Augusto Guardado, Justin Lunsford, Matthew Malecki (Magaldi/Ensemble/Che Cover), Daisy Martinez, Sebastian Montenegro, Vanessa Orozco (Mistress/Ensemble), Brian Osuna, Liliana Rodriguez, Tamara Sofia Rodriguez Mehl-Mchugh, Matthew Ryan, Jazz Ruiz, and Lucy Santos (Young Girl/Ensemble).
The swings are Domo D’dante and Natalia Hill. The covers are Julia Celano (Eva) and Matthew Malecki Martinez (Ché).
“Evita” includes music direction by Patrick Marion, choreography by Carlos Mendoza, scenic design by Mathys Herbert, lighting design by Amanda Zieve, projection design by Blake McCarty, sound design by Evan Eason, props design by Heather Longfellow, costume design by Zoë Trautmann, wig and makeup design by Peter Herman, and stage management by Craig Campbell.
“Evita” runs from August 9 to September 24 at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town. Tickets and information are available at CygnetTheatre.com, or call (619) 337-1525.
