Evita takes the stage

Shelby Becker, Student Life Editor|February 9, 2015

Let the show begin: The spotlight shines on sophomore Jake Anderson and senior Morgan Martell. Martell played the role of Evita, the first lady of Argentina and one who was viewed as royalty. Photo by Jasmine Correa

She was from the slums, but she climbed the social ladder to become the First Lady of Argentina. Who is she? Evita.

The Starlight Theatre Company is performing the production, Evita, for their musical this January.

“While most of Argentina loved and worshipped her, this story also shows some of the not so glorious moments of her life as well,” theatre arts teacher and director Kalyn Holloway said.

Eva Peron, Evita, was looked at as a saint to most of the Argentine people.

“She really connected to the people because she came from poverty so the poor felt like they could relate,” senior Lily Howard said.

The directors decided to not have one student play the lead, but three students per show, making six girls total playing Evita.

“The three Eva’s represent the three main stages of her life,” Holloway said. “Her youth and vibrant stage, her marriage to Juan Peron where she rose to power, and the stage where she found out she had cancer that led to her death.”

The girls playing Evita had mixed feelings about there being three on stage during each show.

“I was a bit unsure of how it was going to go with splitting her up into three parts, but I think everything ended up for the better,” senior Morgan Martel said. “I was excited, but also curious.”

The six girls were already friends, which helped them through the process.

“It wouldn’t have been pulled off if all six of us girls weren’t as close as we are,” Howard said. “There isn’t a lot of competition between us, and even though we weren’t excited about it at first, it really has worked out for the better.”

Along with a large group of leads, there is also a large group of directors.

“Since we have four directors, blocking wise, we split up everyday for rehearsal,” junior Paige Bradbury said.

The rehearsal process for the musical is busy time for the cast.

“The rehearsal schedule can be crazy, you can be called in multiple scenes that are all rehearsing at the same time so you have to manage your time well,” Howard said.

The leads and the chorus were split up through out majority of the rehearsal time.

“The rehearsal process has been a little bit different,” sophomore Chloe Byars said. “The leads haven’t been able to rehearse with the chorus, so at moments we feel unprepared, but it always pulls together.”

Besides the stress, the students have fun as well.

“Rehearsals have been really fun, it has been such a great experience,” freshman Maddy Sparks said. “When everyone cooperated they were so much fun and everyone could just enjoy it.”

Big dance numbers are included in the show as well.

“I think Buenos Aires is probably one of the best dance numbers that I’ve seen through the Bowie musicals I’ve been part of,” Martell said. “I’m excited for people to enjoy that number.”

With Holloway’s dance experience, she choreographed the dance numbers.

“Choreography is so much fun,” Holloway said. “I have always loved to dance, so doing the choreography for the musical lets me create something I love.”

When it comes closer to opening night, the orchestra is brought in.

“My favorite part is working with the orchestra,” LaRue said. “That just helped bring everything to life and made me excited for the show.”

Along with the orchestra bringing things together, the chorus and leads finally working together made it all fall into place.

When everyone starts putting all of their hard work together, things really start to fall into place.

“There’s so many talented kids involved, from the choir to the band and orchestra,” Howard said. “It’s so magical that it all comes together so well.”

The girls have to wear elaborate wigs for the performances.