Another Show, Another Song 'Evita'

My Experience with Playhouse Theatre's Production of Evita

A Journey into the World of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Masterpiece

The world of theatre has always held a special place in my heart, and my recent experience with Playhouse Theatre's production of Evita in Auckland was nothing short of magical. Taking on the role of Magaldi in Andrew Lloyd Webber's (ALW) iconic musical was such an entertaining and exciting opportunity with my second time in a musical since my theatre revival in 2023. The journey, preparations, challenges, and unforgettable moments made this experience truly remarkable.

The journey began with an audition that I had prepared for but still got nervous in regardless of my technique and improved. I also wasn’t 100% certain that this was something I wanted to be in, it’s a full rock opera, with some difficult songs and a much bigger range than I had sung before, that and he (ALW) just has to make things difficult. The audition process was exciting, on the stage, singing with a pianist (musical director) and many talented individuals vying for a spot in the cast. With all this the director, and PTI crew were incredibly encouraging and made me feel super comfortable.

Once I was cast as Magaldi, the real work began. Magaldi is a charismatic womaniser/tango singer whose brief romance with Eva Perón sets the stage for her rise to power. I found the role a little difficult to embody with no spoken lines, I had to try and find his personality while singing, certainly an interesting challenge that stretched me creatively. Vocal training was crucial, as Magaldi's songs require a blend of emotion and technical skill and a sustained high G!  I spent hours singing in my car. Rehearsing and of course trying not to be influenced by other performers and doing it the way I saw it.

Rehearsals were both challenging and rewarding, I can confidently say that the structure, pace, and precise way of our directors, blocking and vision showed a huge amount of preparation. The Playhouse Theatre team in Auckland was incredibly supportive and professional. The director's vision came through incredibly strongly, supported by the amazing case and other leads which pushed me to try harder and perform to my best. The huge cast with support and ensemble… the live band, all added to making a fabulous production. Every rehearsal brought us closer to opening night, and the sense of anticipation grew with each passing day.

With such clear direction and an incredibly engaged production team, the challenges were few and far between. But… with a school hall as our rehearsal location, sound was our biggest challenge… you try to sing a 5 part harmony with 30 ensemble and an absolute belter of a lead riffing ontop… using a ‘boom box’ for a backing track or an out of tune piano… lets just say a lot of looking, hoping and trust got us through. At least the Choreography and blocking was easy… grid lines on the stage… GENIUS!

Opening night was a whirlwind of emotions. The theatre was packed and the cast was excited! the audience's energy was infections. Stepping onto the stage as Magaldi Bright white suit in a sea of greys, and dull colours, I felt the full weight of the audience stares as I crossed the stage. The lights, the music, and the applause created an atmosphere that was both exhilarating and humbling. Performing in front of a live audience brought so much more out of me, it felt like I could actually be Magaldi in ways that rehearsals never could. It was an unforgettable experience that validated all the hard work and dedication.

Evita is a musical that resonates with audiences on many levels. It tells the story of Eva Perón's rise to power and her impact on Argentina. Through my portrayal of Magaldi, I had the privilege of contributing to this powerful narrative. Audience members shared their appreciation, and their feedback was incredibly rewarding. Knowing that our production touched people's hearts and brought them closer to the story of Evita was deeply fulfilling. With the Directors preface, the tone of the musical had a different vibe. Whilst being true to the original, moments of more historical accuracy where brought in, with the acknowledgement that Eva didn’t sleep her way to the top as it is very much implied with ‘Thank you and Goodnight’ her impact on the people of Argentina and really vying for a voice for those less fortunate, although undermined by Peronism and his particular choice in advisors… It was and will be an incredible memory for me.

My experience with Playhouse Theatre's production of Evita was a journey that I will cherish forever. From the audition process to the final curtain call, every moment was filled with passion, dedication, and a love for the art of theatre. Playing Magaldi allowed me to explore a multifaceted character, then jump into the fun of Ensemble and to be part of a production that celebrated Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production. I am grateful for the opportunity and for the memories that will stay with me for a lifetime.

As I look back on this experience, I am reminded of the power of theatre to bring people together, to tell compelling stories, and to create lasting impressions.