Kiana Hankins
Sugar Beet Reporter
Evita is a story about Eva Duarte Perón, portrayed by Monica Aguilar, arts and communications junior. Perón was a young actress in Bueno Aires who later became the First Lady of Argentina. She was known for fighting for women’s rights, such as the right to vote and hold positions in politics before she developed cancer and died at the age of 33. Juan Perón, played by Johb Silva, arts and communications junior, was the husband of Eva Perón and president of Argentina.
“I’ve spent a lot of time trying to understand what exactly he wants from Eva and even what he wants from his people,” Silva said.
Silva’s previous roles this year include Claudius in “Hamlet”and Charles in “Pippin”. Last year, Silva won the Best Actor in Kansas award through Jesters for his role as Usnavi in “In The Heights.”
“The fact that this musical is a very heavy drama, it really sets itself apart from other musicals, as they are usually comedic,” Kyler Bennett, arts and communications sophomore, said.
Other aspects that set this show apart are the set, costumes and music.
“The set is enormous,” Alice Hilt, assistant director, said. “This is the largest set we have ever built.”
The set has been made to recreate the Casa Rosada, the home of the president of Argentina. Evita is almost entirely music, being taught to the cast by Misty Baldwin and Olivia Henning, choir directors, and with the instrumental pit being led by Lyle Sobba, band director. The costumes for this show are a challenge as they accurately portray Perón’s 1940 attire. Perón has 17 different costumes throughout the show, designed by Robyn Hilt, Ivy Servin and the costuming classes.
“Doing a play that is a biography is a challenge because you have to do research into the peoples’ lives and portray their story on stage,” Hilt said.
Hilt advises parents to use discretion when attending the show. As a women who rose in power, Eva Péron was treated poorly and often talked about using derogatory language, which is portrayed in the show.
Auditions took place at the end of November, and rehearsals began the first week of December showings of Evita are March first and second at 7:00 p.m. and March second and third at 2:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for students.
“This show without a doubt will be incredibly breathtaking,” Bennett said.
Kiana Hankins is an arts and communications sophomore. You can reach her at hankinsk@student.gckschools.com.
Garden City High School 