Casting is set for Axelrod Performing Arts Center's upcoming production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Tony-winning Evita, which will play 16 performances at the New Jersey venue beginning May 31.
Directed by José Zayas with choreography by Kelsey Burns, the limited engagement will continue through June 16. Michael Gilch will conduct the 10-piece orchestra.
Gaby Albo, who played Gloria Estefan in the national tour of Broadway’s On Your Feet!, will star in the title role with Asbury Park-based rock-and-soul singer Remember Jones as Che.
The cast will also feature Samuel Druhora as Juan Peron, Jorge Echeverría as Augustin Magaldi, and Madison Figueroa as Peron’s mistress. The ensemble will include Gabriel Argate, Libby Blubaugh, Maggie Cantwell, Ricky Cardenas, Daniella Castoria, Jerrod Ganesh, Abby Harnum, Olivia Jones, Jadon Lopez, Olivia Miranda, Elle Ouimet, Max Sherman, Justin Sudderth, Ryan Torres, and Carly Garcia Walton.
Evita, which premiered as a two-LP recording starring Julie Covington (Eva) and Colm Wilkinson (Che), features a score by Lloyd Webber (music) and Rice (lyrics). Hal Prince staged both the original London and New York productions of the musical, which made stars of Elaine Paige (in London) and Mandy Patinkin and Patti LuPone (on Broadway). The score features such tunes as "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," "Buenos Aires," "A New Argentina," "Another Suitcase in Another Hall," "I'd Be Surprisingly Good for You," and "Rainbow High." Madonna, Antonio Banderas, and Jonathan Pryce starred in the film version; Elena Roger headed the cast of the London and Broadway revivals, the latter with Ricky Martin.
Director Zayas says in a statement, "I'm thrilled to be doing my first show at the Axelrod and collaborating with this remarkable group of artists to bring a new and thrilling vision of Evita to life. Evita's remarkable storytelling still resonates decades after its original premiere. Its message feels prescient, as a warning for all countries. Her tragedy is that of an entire nation. Her contradictions made her impossibly human, and her final fate made her into both a devil and a saint.”
The production team includes scenic and lighting designer Christopher Annas-Lee, costume designer Emily Verilli, associate choreographer Lindsay Jorgensen, production stage manager Jackie Robinson, and production manager Gil Mason-Butch.
Axelrod Executive Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco and Remember Jones serve as co-producers.
Visit AxelrodArtsCenter.org.
