After a year and a half of waiting, live theatre is back indoors at the Lebowsky Center in Owosso, Michigan. While the show must (finally) go on, the Lebowsky Center is aware of how COVID-19 continues to be a concern for the public and theatre community. With a commitment to keep its audience members safe and entertained, the Lebowsky Center will be requiring masks from its patrons as it kicks off its 2021-22 season.
For this avid theatre-goer, wearing a mask in order to enjoy live shows again is the very least I can do. I also can’t imagine a better way to begin the fall theatre season than with the Lebowsky Center‘s production of ‘Evita,’ directed by Garrett Bradley. ‘Evita’ arrives in Owosso all the way from Argentina for two weekends this October. Click here for tickets.
‘Evita,’ the story of Eva Perón’s rise from a penniless existence to first lady of Argentina by the age of 26, features the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical has captured audiences for over 40 years, from its Tony Award-winning Broadway run to the 1996 film adaptation starring Madonna.
Audiences will be exhilarated by the Lebowsky Center’s production, thanks to its talented cast, vibrant costumes, and beautiful set design.
Megan Meyer has more than just a little touch of star quality — she’s a rainbow tour-de-force as Eva Perón. Meyer captures her energetic, ambitious character’s early beginnings and commands as she becomes the first lady of Argentina. I was in awe of her powerhouse voice and stage presence throughout the production, although two numbers in particular were standouts for me: “Buenos Aires,” with all of its color and choreography, and “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” with Meyer dressed in a stunning white gown, her voice soaring over the crowd from her balcony. As Eva, Meyer is exquisite. Exceptional. Extraordinary.
As the show’s narrator, Che, Diego Perez plays the perfect foil to Meyer’s Eva. Perez’s Che is cynical and humorous, telling the story of Eva Perón with a pointed word and, oftentimes, just the expression on his face. His singing and acting throughout the show are reliable and grounding, holding a mirror up to the fast-moving train of Eva’s ambitions. Perez is a delight to watch, especially during “Goodnight and Thank You.”
Benji Cates’ Juan Perón embodies a sweet sensitivity, especially as Eva’s grows weak with illness; “Dice Are Rolling” is heartbreaking. I also enjoyed Jake Przybyla’s performance as Magaldi, his voice capturing the romantic and polished nature of his tango singer character. The ensemble of ‘Evita’ is versatile and nimble, embodying mourners, soldiers, judgmental high society, world dignitaries, and avid Perón supporters seamlessly.
The gorgeous costume design is particularly on display during “Rainbow High,” which features Eva in a whirlwind of costume changes and spinning valets. I was also impressed with the set design, which allows for grand balcony moments and tangos as well as smaller, private interactions between characters.
‘Evita’ is a musical of epic proportions, and I think the Lebowsky Center’s production delivers. I left the show feeling a post-show excitement that I have missed so much during the pandemic. It’s clear that all involved in this production are passionate about theatre and thrilled to be performing together once again. What an inspiring thing to witness.
Show Details
Don’t miss ‘Evita’ at the Lebowsky Center! Showtimes are: October 15, 16, 22, and 23 at 8:00PM, and October 17 and 24 at 3:00PM. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for students and seniors 65+, including a $2 service charge. The Lebowsky Center is located at 122 E. Main Street in Owosso, Michigan.