UH Hilo Presenting ‘Evita’ Beginning April 7

Image courtesy of UH Hilo Performing Arts Center.

The UH Hilo Performing Arts Center will present seven performances of Evita, the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical following the rise of the First Lady of Argentina, Eva Duarte Peron.

The performances will open on April 7, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., and will continue on April 8, 12, 13, 14, and 15, with a 2:00 p.m. matinee showing on April 9.

Based on the true story, Evita is described as a combination of a fairy-tale love story with the dark underbelly of fate playing a tragic hand. A cast of 50 performers will recreate the story of a radical woman of her time who, rising from poverty to power in just a few years, fought for social change and economic justice for the poor.

Professor Jackie Pualani Johnson is directing the production, in what will be the final directorial work of her 38-year career as a drama professor.

Malu Debus will play the lead role of Evita, with Doug Scheer as Juan Peron, Scott Wuscher as Che, Norman Arancon as Magaldi and Simone Tincher as “the Mistress.” Debus appeared in the previous UH Hilo PAC productions, Hilo: Da Musical, Pinocchio, and Guys and Dolls.

“Her Eva shows range,” said Johnson, “From saucy self-assurance, to defiance, and unquestionable determination to rise along with the Argentinian President. Vulnerability comes through, too, when Eva’s illness looms.”

Pre-sale tickets are reserved seating and priced at $20 General, $15 Discount and $10 for UH Hilo/HawCC students (with valid student ID) and children, ages 17 and under. Tickets at the door will cost $25 General, $20 Discount and $15 for UH Hilo/HawCC students and children. Purchase tickets by calling the UH Hilo Box Office at 932-7490 or ordering online at artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu.