“Evita” Milwaukee reviewed by Amy Menzel

[rating=5]“This production of Evita opens 1,050 days late, due to a pandemic that has not quite left us,” notes Artistic Director of Skylight Music Theatre, Michael Unger. What was scheduled to be a staged concert during the 2019-2020 season is now a full production – a full, rich, captivating, remarkable production.

This is definitely a must-see production for a number of reasons, but to to mirror the five stars this show deserves, here are five reasons you should order your tickets now:

Richard Bermudez as Che. Bermudez makes his Skylight debut in the narrative role, having previously played Che for Musical Theater West and, most recently, for Drury Lane Productions for which he won a Joseph Jefferson Award. Milwaukeeans are lucky to witness his talent and incredible portrayal right here in the Third Ward. (And Chicagoian fans can easily make the short trip north to see Bermudez again at Skylight’s beautiful Cabot Theatre.)

Rána Roman as Eva Perón. The Milwaukee native commands the stage in this demanding principal role, bringing all the nuance of Perón to life. Roman’s renditions of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and “You Must Love Me” are spellbinding.
The direction and choreography of Gustavo Zajac. “As an Argentinian-born artist, I find that it is essential to portray the Perón history not as a musical fable, but as a political movement that affected and still affects the lives of millions of Argentinians today,” writes Zajac. Under his direction, this production deftly conveys the complexity of the Peróns, their persona, their influence, and their impact. Zajac further contributes through his choreography. The extraordinary fluidity of movement creates a fluidity of storytelling. The ensemble is so disciplined that scenes seem to float from one to another. There’s a palpable energy to this production that evokes understanding and provokes further consideration.

The tango. Mariano Logiudice and Guillermina Quiroga (tango dancers; Quiroga is also associate choreographer) are phenomenal.
The discussion. This show, this story and the history, give us a lot to think about. Whether you walk out onto North Broadway chatting about with another patron or turning things over in your own mind, Evita will prompt you to think and consider and, perhaps, rethink and reconsider.

★★★★★

Evita plays now through February 19 at Skylight Music Theatre located at 158 N. Broadway in Milwaukee’s Third Ward.

Saturdays – 7:30 p.m. (Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. on February 11)
Sundays – 2 p.m.
Tuesday, February 14 – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays – 7:30 p.m. (Wednesday matinee at 2 p.m. on February 8)
Thursdays and Fridays – 7:30 p.m.

Get your tickets now! Tickets start at $45.28 and can be purchased online at www.skylightmusictheatre.org or you can call the Box Office at 414-291-7800.

The show runs two hours and 15 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission.

An ASL-interpreted performance will be held on Thursday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m. Call the Box Office or email tickets@skylightmusictheatre.org and mention the ASL performance for appropriate seating.

Theater-goers looking for a sensory-friendly performance should call the Box Office or email tickets@skylightmusictheatre.org. 

The Skylight Bar & Bistro is open two hours prior to each curtain and during intermission. An assortment of beer, wine, soda, and light snacks are available.

Folks looking for a cocktail, a bite to eat, and a view before or after the show may want to check out The Outsider at 310 East Chicago Street. This rooftop bar at the Kimpton The Journeyman hotel boasts some of the best views of the city just a short walk from Skylight.

On the off-chance I am unable to find free street parking (metered parking spots are free after 6 p.m.) I choose to park in the garage at 212 N. Milwaukee Street. Skylight offers $5 discounted parking vouchers for use in this garage. Vouchers are valid between 5 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. for evening performances. Matinee vouchers are valid 12-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vouchers are not valid for Wednesday matinees and are not sold during intermission.