You Must Love EVITA at Hollywood’s Pantages Theatre, Now Thru November 10

The latest magnificent offering from Hollywood's Pantages Theatre, EVITA, is a magical masterpiece and the perfect date night treat. With a national touring cast of talented triple threats, you and your guy/gal will be mesmerized from start to finish.

The best part about attending an event at the Pantages is that you can ride the Metro from the Universal City or North Hollywood station and imagine you’re in the Big Apple, avoiding parking hassles, freeway fiascos, and exorbitant gas prices, simultaneously watching a stunning show.

The Pantages is a hop, skip, and a jump from the Valley at the Hollywood and Vine exit.  Afterwards, you’ll be accompanied by swarms of theatre-goers taking advantage of LA’s unused subway system. You can even arrive solo and return home with a sense of safety and security.

Based on the true story of Eva Peron, who used her beauty and charisma to rise from the slums and become the revered wife of Argentina’s President Juan Peron, EVITA tells a passionate and unforgettable tale.

Eva advocated on behalf of the poor and was admired by the masses across South America, Spain, and France. She was the “voice of the people.” Videos depicting actual footage of this historic time period (1934-1952) are shown as a backdrop, enhancing the intensity of the extravaganza.     

The brilliant team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar) created this magnum opus, which includes classic, memorable tunes, such as “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “High Flying Adored,” and “Buenos Aires.” It’s highly likely you’ll walk away crooning and humming the catchy, enchanting lyrics and melodies.

Caroline Bowman, starring as Eva, commands the stage, captivating the audience with her expansive vocal range, consistent control, and exhilarating, exuberant performance. Bowman’s nonstop energy is mind boggling. Josh Young, as Che, and Sean MacLaughlin, as Juan Peron, are equally engaging and charming, capturing hearts at every turn.

Tony Award-winner Rob Ashford’s complicated choreography is superb with smokin’ hot, sexy tango moves and lifts that are breathtaking, the piece de resistance, the icing on the cake. At the SRO opening night, many spectators literally gasped during several of the most elaborate arrangements.

Directed by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Michael Grandage, the extremely gifted ensemble shines whenever they appear, sending the room into rounds of cheers and applause, as they yearn for more of the extraordinary entertainment.

The stunning sets and costumes, by Tony Award-winner Christopher Oram, ensure all eyes stay focused on the proscenium, maintaining the crowd’s trance and helping the fast paced performance hold its intrigue.

Be prepared to leave the theatre feeling exhilarated, having experienced a whirlwind of a presentation, while holding onto your honey throughout.

EVITA opened on Broadway in 1979 featuring Patti LuPone as Eva, Mandy Patinkin as Che, and Bob Gunton as Peron. It won seven 1980 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Actress.

A major 1996 film of the musical, directed by Alan Parker, starred Madonna as Eva, Antonio Banderas as Che, and Jonathan Price as Peron. It grossed $50 million nationally, $141 million worldwide and was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one for Best New Song (“You Must Love Me”).

Tickets may be purchased online at www.HollywoodPantages.com or www.Ticketmaster.com; by phone at 1-800-982-2787; or in person at the Pantages Box Office, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., just east of Vine Street, and all Ticketmaster outlets.

EVITA runs 2 hours and 15 minutes including intermission, on Tuesdays through Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 1pm and 6:30pm.