BY TALI ISRAELI
Staff Writer
MARLBORO — The Marlboro Players will be performing “Evita,” the dynamic musical about the life of Argentina’s controversial first lady Eva Peron.
Under the direction of Jennifer Little, of North Bergen, “Evita” will be performed at the Marlboro Middle School, Route 520, on April 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. and April 10 and 17 at 3 p.m. Cards for Less, located in Marlboro Plaza at the intersection of Route 9 and Route 520, will be selling $16 adult tickets and $14 student and senior tickets. There is an additional $2 charge for tickets purchased at the door.
At the age of 15, Maria Eva Duarte de Peron (1919-1952) escaped her poor existence for the bright lights of Buenos Aires. According to the Marlboro Players, Peron’s ambition and charisma made her a starlet at 22, the president’s mistress at 24, and the first lady at 27. She died of cancer at the age of 33. Peron was destined to leave a fascinating political legacy as a saint to the working class, reviled by the aristocracy and mistrusted by the military, according to the Marlboro
Players.
Amanda Conn-Levin, of Brick, who plays Peron, said this is one of her favorite musicals.
“It’s a very passionate story,” she said. “I jumped at the chance to go out for [the part].”
Conn-Levin described Peron as a very dynamic character and said Evita is a challenging role to play because of the dramatic aspects and the vocal demands.
Little said Conn-Levin blew her away when she walked in the door for auditions because she looks and sounds the part.
“She brings an amazing empathy and realism to everything she touches,” Little said.
The other leads are played by Rob Tilley, of Eatontown, as Che, and Christopher Pica, of Tinton Falls, as Juan Peron. The cast also features David Pacheco, of Neptune, as Migaldi, and Krutika Parasar, of Holmdel, as Mistress.
Little said Tilley’s voice is an amazing instrument and said Pica is versatile, funny and an incredibly strong actor.
“Evita” is told through a compelling score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice that fuses haunting chorales with exuberant Latin, pop and jazz influences, according to the Marlboro Players.
Little said the cast is an amazing group of leads and a strong ensemble because they are focused and dedicated.
“The cast is bringing something really special to the piece,” Little added.