Outstanding performances anchor Bill Mutimer Summer Theatre Series’ exciting and enthusiastic “Evita,” through July 6 at Lipkin Theater, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township.
The that follows the rise of Eva Perón from her teen years as a poor girl in the small town of Junin, to becoming the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón. Throughout, Eva’s story is given perspective by Ché, a young revolutionary who watches from the sidelines.
Matias de la Fleur is a charismatic and effective Ché. From the moment he starts singing in “Oh, What a Circus,” he commands the audience’s attention as he prowls the stage like a panther ready to pounce. He is comfortable with the vocally demanding score of this sung-through musical and is as capable in the falsetto as he is in the lower range.
The role of Evita is double-cast between Olivia Hudson-Fuentes and Abby Arza. Hudson-Fuentes performed opening night and is a dynamic and confident Eva. She exudes energy and her powerful voice soars on songs like “Buenos Aires” and “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.”
She and de la Fleur are well matched on duets like “High Flying Adored” and “Waltz for Eva and Che.”
Hudson-Fuentes performs June 25, 27, 29, July 3, 5 and Arza June 26, 28, July 2, 4 and 6.
Dan Melo is a wily and taciturn Juan Perón, who marries Eva and makes her the First Lady of Argentina, when he is elected President.
Melo and Hudson-Fuentes have a fascinating calculated chemistry in “I’d Be Surprisingly Good for You.” Melo gets to let a little of Perón’s feelings of admiration for Eva slip out in “She is a Diamond.”
In a small, but well done role, Anjelica Soto is poignant as Perón’s teenage mistress, who is summarily dismissed by Eva, in “Another Suitcase in Another Hall.”
Marcel Mackenzie is amusing as the hack tango singer who finds himself being strong-armed into taking a 15-year-old Eva to Buenos Aires.
Director Gustavo Wons, who is from Argentina, added elements to give the show an authentic feel. The characters used the Spanish pronunciation of Argentina and the version of “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” used Spanish as well as English. Also, adding validity, the on-stage band used a keyboard-generated accordion sound, which is similar to the bandoneon used in Argentina tango music.
Wons, who also choreographed the show, brought elements of tango into the show’s energetic dance numbers.
More amusing choreography showcased in “Peron’s Latest Flame,” featured ensemble members as mincing aristocrats and high stepping military officers.
Adding a sweet note was “Santa Evita,” sung by a children’s chorus.
The ensemble filled out the stage as adoring crowds and descamisados (shirtless ones), in “On the Balcony of the Casa Rosada,” “Rainbow Tour” and “And the Money Kept Rolling In.”
There were some late cues by the ensemble, perhaps due to opening night jitters.
The two level set by technical director Brett Oliveira is simple, but effective. The proceedings are enhanced by a video screen above the stage on which vintage footage from Eva Perón’s life is shown. Oliveira also did double duty in the ensemble and had a humorous cameo as the “admiral.”
Brenda McGuire’s costumes are appropriate for the time period and Eva’s gown for the top of act two is lovely.
Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for seniors; $20 for students and $15 for children.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. June 26 to 28, July 2, 3 and 5; 2 p.m. June 29 and July 6; and 5 p.m. July 4.
For information, call 484-484-3412, or go to www.ncctix.org/.