Evita
Lyrics by Tim Rice, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed and Choreographed by Josh Rhodes
Tango Choreography by Junior Cervila
The Muny
July 19, 2025
Katerina McCrimmon
Photo by Phillip Hamer
The Muny
The Muny has done some fantastic productions over the years, and I’ve been attending shows there since 2004. With their latest production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita, however, I think they may have outdone themselves. In fact, the way this show is cast, directed, and designed, it fits so well on the colossal Muny stage that it almost appears as if the show was written for this venue. With an ideal cast featuring a dazzling star performance in the title role, this show is a must-see for anyone who loves to see the best of musical theatre in St. Louis.
The classic rock opera about the famous and controversial Argentinian First Lady Eva Perón has been staged around the world since beginning as a concept album 1976, then opening on stage in London in 1978 and on Broadway in 1979. It’s structured as a rock opera, with sung dialogue and very few spoken lines, featuring music styles ranging from pop to rock to tango and more. In my mind, it’s Lloyd Webber’s best score, and there’s a marvelous Muny Orchestra here led by music director Ben Whitely that brings out all the passion and style of the music.
Evita isn’t a straightforward bio-musical, either. It tells Eva’s story of how she rose from obscurity to fame to political power and influence in 1940s and 50s Argentina, but it also critically examines her influence, motives, and appeal, as well as the people’s adoration of her as something like a saint. The character of Che (Omar Lopez-Cepero) is onstage from the beginning, representing the everyday Argentinian people as the Perón regime rises to power and the ambitious Eva (or “Evita” as she is often referred to by her admirers) becomes an actress, then a political figure and icon, eventually dying young (of cancer) while still in the midst of her fame and influence.
Many celebrated performers have brought their “star quality” to the leading role over the years, and here at the Muny, the part is taken by the fantastically talented Katerina McCrimmon, who recently headlined the national tour of Funny Girl that I saw when it came to the Fox. She was excellent in that, and she shines here as well, with incredible stage presence and a powerful voice that’s more than up to the task of singing this celebrated score with memorable songs like “Buenos Aires”, “Rainbow High”, and “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina”. McCrimmon owns the stage, and also shares it well with equally excellent co-stars Omar Lopez-Cepero as the show’s “voice of people”, Che, and the glorious-voiced opera and Broadway vet Paulo Szot as Juan Perón. Both of these performers have strong chemistry with McCrimmon.
Other standouts include Daniel Torres as Augustin Magaldi, a popular singer who becomes involved with young Eva and first brings her to Buenos Aires; along with Sabrina Santana in a notable cameo role as a young mistress of Perón’s who is sent away after Eva moves in, performing the memorable “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” with heartbreaking emotion and strong vocals. There are also two tango dancers, Noelia Guerrero and tango choreographer Junior Cervila, who make an indelible impression dancing with energy and passion in two featured numbers including a particularly moving rendition of “You Must Love Me” (which was written for the 1996 film) sung by McCrimmon as the two dance. There’s also a fantastic ensemble playing various roles and adding to the overall spirit of the show with enthusiasm, excellent singing, and dynamic dancing choreographed by director Josh Rhodes.
The set by Adam Koch is strikingly effective, as well, augmented by memorable video design by Steven Royal and dazzling lighting by Paige Seber. The use of the stage’s turntable is especially notable here, adding style and emotional emphasis to Eva’s famous balcony scene and adding a smooth and energetic sense of movement as the story unfolds. Brian C. Hemesath’s costumes are meticulously designed and crafted, as well, suiting the characters and mid-century Argentinian setting particularly well.
Evita at the Muny is among the best shows I’ve ever seen there, and that’s not hyperbole. It’s a truly fantastic show, with emotion, energy, excellent movement and vocals, and a first-rate cast that includes a remarkable rising star in the leading role. This is a classic show brought to life with stunning immediacy, and it’s not to be missed.
Cast of Evita
Photo by Phillip Hamer
The Muny
The Muny is presenting Evita in Forest Park until July 24, 2025
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