Cal State Long Beach University Players will present Evita, the world-renowned musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, on Friday, March 19 through Saturday, March 27. Directed by theatre department chair Joanne Gordon, the 1978 rock opera is based on the celebrated, mythological life of Argentinean First Lady Eva Perón. The story follows Evita’s meteoric rise to power and early death.
Gordon finds the production extremely timely. “A young, charismatic leader fills the people with hope, and yet sometimes disappoints her left-wing base,” she said. “Evita reveals the concomitant dangers of belief in political idols.”
Not only is the content relevant, the show is one of the most exciting contemporary rock operas, according to Gordon. “It’s a fabulous score,” she said. “Webber’s best music and Rice’s best lyrics. It’s biting, funny, satiric,
and extremely significant.” Â
Evita runs only eight performances: Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm and Saturday, March 27 at 2pm, in the Studio Theatre on the CSULB South Campus, accessible via West Campus Drive. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for seniors and students (with valid ID). For tickets and information, call (562) 985-5526.
