The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
  • Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

  • New on the scene: Recapping recent restaurant and bar openings in Chicago

  • The Big City Blog: A Chicago summer bucket list

  • Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

  • A day at the museum: Exploring the iconic Field Museum in Chicago

First Look - ReviewsOld
Home›featured-blogs›First Look - Reviews›First Look Review: Broadway in Chicago’s “Evita” at the Oriental Theatre

First Look Review: Broadway in Chicago’s “Evita” at the Oriental Theatre

By TheRealChicagoOnline
September 24, 2013
627
0
Share:

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

The story, in beautiful song, of Evita’s life and dramatic rise to power in Argentina

By Margot ThomasRTRH4C0339

Playing at: The Oriental Theatre, Ford Center for the Performing Arts, 24 W. Randolph. www.BroadwayInChicago.com

When: Through Oct. 6, although it will likely be extended. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

History: Based on the true story of Eva Duarte Peron, the musical Evita was first performed in 1976 with music written by Andrew Lloyd Weber. Eva was a fascinating figure in Argentine history. She lived from 1919-1952 and represented a classic rags-to-riches story as she became a political leader still remembered fondly today.

Basic storyline: This musical takes us through the life of the beloved Maria Eva Duarte becoming Evita Peron, famous political leader. The story begins with a 15-year-old, theater-loving Eva living in a small town in Argentina. With big-city aspirations, Eva persuades a tango singer from Buenos Aires to bring her back home with him.RTRH4C0193

We then witness Eva’s rise in popularity as she becomes a radio star and actress. She climbs the ranks in her career by leading a scandalous lifestyle with men who can get her where she wants to be. She meets Colonel Juan Peron at a ballroom charity event to raise money for earthquake victims of a recent catastrophe in Argentina. Eva reaches the height of her power after marrying Peron, who later is elected president.

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

Eva is loved and powerful in the eyes of the nation’s lower-class citizens, with whom she can relate because of her background as a child. She becomes “Evita” to her people, an affectionate Spanish name. Evita’s health begins to decline, and her generosity to the lower class costs the Argentine government nearly all its reserves. Evita wants to run for vice president with Peron running for a second term, but her health quickly declines, leaving many of her countrymen heartbroken.

What to expect: A phenomenal performance by the lead, Caroline Bowman. She has brilliant energy, a radiating voice and is absolutely stunning. Her version of “Don’t cry for me Argentina” is articulate, on point and captivating.RTRH4C0196A

What stood out: Contrary to standard belief, Evita was not the “best” of people. The musical showcases her promiscuity that directly mirrored her rise in fame and ultimately brought her to power with Peron. Eva was born into a lower class and assumed these as “her people.” She handed out the government’s money and essentially took from the rich to give to the “descamisados.” During her time as First Lady, she nearly bankrupted the country.

Final thoughts: We will see and hear more from Caroline Bowman. Her striking voice and overflowing talent on the stage prove she was born to be on Broadway. Additionally, the narrator that plays Che, Josh Young, is impressive and does an excellent job singing the story and connecting the scenes.

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

TagsAndrew Lloyd WeberBroadway in ChicagoCaroline BowmanEva Duarte PeronEvitaEvita PeronFord Center for the Performing ArtsJosh YoungMargot ThomasOriental Theatre
Previous Article

First Look review: The award-winning, passionate, monologue-driven ...

Next Article

Adler After Dark: This monthly event at ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • Inside Scoop

    Inside Scoop: Seasonal shakes, Disturbia, Kings Bowl opening and Potted Potter

    October 3, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Rock of Ages is captivating, exciting, funny and a seriously rocking good time

    April 25, 2019
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: Lobster Fest, Broadway in Chicago’s free summer concert, The Hampton Social opens and more

    August 14, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: A musical, deep dish and the Redhead Piano Bar — a very Chicago night on the ...

    May 26, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: Tequila, wine and beer dinners, museum events, and Stephanie Izard and the Lion King strike again

    February 22, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review of Phantom of the Opera: The reimagined classic shines as brightly as ever

    January 22, 2014
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    New on the scene: Several enticing bars have opened downtown recently

  • Around TownHidden Gems

    Chicago’s hidden gems: Swim Cafe, Rudy’s Roundup General Store and Colors and Bottles

  • Around TownHidden GemsOther Recent Articles

    Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

  • LATEST REVIEWS

  • TOP REVIEWS

Timeline

  • November 11, 2021

    Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

  • July 31, 2019

    Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & Ash

  • July 30, 2019

    First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater experience

  • July 28, 2019

    Finger lickin’ good: Six trusted Chicago spots for a stellar barbecue experience

  • July 25, 2019

    The Big City Blog: Four Friday Night Flights beer tastings remain this summer, including July 26 in Ravenswood

Latest Comments

  • The 14 Best Fireplaces in Chicago | UrbanMatter
    on
    October 11, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: The Real Chicago […]

    Cozy on up: We asked active Chicagoans for their favorite spots to warm up in the ...

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum | FreeForAll.org
    on
    January 16, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum – FreeForAll.org
    on
    October 23, 2016
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • The Real Chicago – The Big City Blog: A very Chicago night on the town
    on
    May 31, 2016
    […] up was The Redhead Piano Bar for drinks and live music. I’ve said it before ...

    Friendly, unfussy, and serious about music: Hanging with Marshall Nelson from the Redhead Piano Bar

  • Scouting Logan Square: A Renewed Historical Neighborhood - The Annex, a blog by Casamatic
    on
    March 10, 2016
    […] (cover photo via The Real Chicago) […]

    The rise of Logan Square: Why this diverse area has quickly become one of Chicago’s hottest ...

Find us on Facebook

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
  • Latest Posts

  • Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    November 11, 2021
  • Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 31, 2019
  • First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 30, 2019

Photostream

    Follow us

    © Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.