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MONROE: Curtain Falls on ‘Evita’

By Jenine Clancy, Special Writer
MONROE — The Mighty Oak players brought Broadway to the local stage with its final performance of Evita at the township’s high school on Sunday.
Performances of the musical about the rags-to-riches rise of the First Lady of Argentina, Eva Peron, ran for six shows starting back on Jul 25.
"I’ve always wanted to do this show, I love the music," Director and Monroe Resident Jenne Alagna said. "It’s a strong piece in many ways and I love the way the music and the lyrics come together."
Evita premiered on Broadway in 1979 with music by the famous composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by the world-renowned lyricist Tim Rice.
The story concentrates on the life of Argentine political leader Eva Perón, the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón. The story follows Evita’s early life, rise to power, charity work, and eventual death.
Production for the Mighty Oak Players started back in June at the Monroe Senior Center, said the 43-year-old Ms. Alagna, who also served as producer on the show.
The 35-person cast came from all over the state.
William Carey, who played tango singer Agustin Magaldi said his trip every week to Monroe from Montclair was worth it.
"It’s been a really great ride," the 24-year-old said. "I love doing shows I know nothing about, it makes it really exciting."
The Mighty Oak Players are an all-ages community theater group that was formed in 1989 and is a division of the Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission, which celebrates the arts in the township.
According to Commissioner Nancie Gunkelman the group was named after the oldest recorded oak tree standing on Applegarth Road since the 1600s.
Patricia Alagna, 37, who played the title character of Eva Peron, said the show has taught her not only a lot about herself, but working with her sister, Jenne, the director.
"I have this belief that there is strength in numbers and what we can do together is what I can’t do alone. Every piece of the puzzle is essential for the final product," she said. "My sister believed in me and no matter what, beyond family bonds she had, she had that much faith that I could do this role. I think I did her justice."