As the London revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic musical Evita proceeds at the London Palladium, star Rachel Zegler has released a new single of the show’s second act opening number, Don’t Cry for Me Argentina. This catch of Rachel Zegler Don’t Cry Argentina marks an important highlight early in the limited engagement, which began previews on June 14 and continues through September 6.
Two Distinct Versions Available for Fans
Listeners can access two versions of Zegler’s performance: a polished studio recording and a special live rendition recorded from the Palladium’s balcony, where Zegler performs the song nightly. The single is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, providing fans with multiple ways to experience this musical moment.
Cast and Creative Team Behind the Revival
Rachel Zegler takes on the role of Eva Duarte in the production, directed by Jamie Lloyd. She shares the stage with Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che, known for his Broadway debut in Sunset Blvd., James Olivas as Juan Perón, Aaron Lee Lambert playing Agustín Magaldi, and Bella Brown alternating in the role of The Mistress and Eva. The ensemble features an extensive roster including Carl Au, Gabriela Benedetti, Shakara Brown, Damian Buhagiar, Kyeirah D’Marni, and others, supported by a talented team of swings and child actors.
The creative vision is shaped by choreographer Fabian Aloise, set and costume designer Soutra Gilmour, and music supervisor and director Alan Williams, all reprising their roles from the 2019 Regent’s Park staging. Lighting and sound are managed by Jon Clark and Adam Fisher respectively, while casting is led by Will Burton, with U.S. casting by Jim Carnahan. Additional contributors include wig and makeup designer Carole Hancock, fight director Kate Waters, intimacy coordinator Ingrid Mackinnon, and orchestral managers Andy Barnwell and Rich Weedon for BW Musicians.
Summary of Evita’s Story and Music
Evita dramatizes the life of Eva Duarte, who rose from her humble origins in Los Toldos to become a celebrated actress and the First Lady of Argentina before her untimely death at 33. The musical features memorable songs such as Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, Buenos Aires, Rainbow High, and High Flying Adored. It is a through-sung production, meaning the music flows continuously without spoken dialogue.
Evita’s Historical and Cultural Background
The musical originally appeared as a two-LP studio recording in 1976 with Julie Covington as Eva and Colm Wilkinson as Che. Harold Prince directed the initial London and New York productions, which notably elevated Elaine Paige to stardom in London (1978) as well as Mandy Patinkin and Patti LuPone on Broadway (1979). The Broadway staging won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, solidifying its place in theatre history. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice had previously collaborated on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar, with Evita being their last major partnership.
The musical also saw a popular film adaptation in 1996 starring Madonna, Antonio Banderas, and Jonathan Pryce. Its last Broadway revival occurred in 2012 with Elena Roger and Ricky Martin, though there have been other subsequent regional productions in New York City Center (2019), Washington, D.C., and Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Revival History and Current Production Details
Jamie Lloyd first directed Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2019 before bringing the production back to the West End. The current run at the London Palladium features a mix of returning creative staff and fresh talent, maintaining a high standard for this celebrated revival. Performances are scheduled through early September, drawing attention from both long-time fans and new audiences alike.
The revival is presented by Michael Harrison on behalf of Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals and Lloyd for The Jamie Lloyd Company, in association with The Really Useful Group Ltd. Its production values and casting choices place it among the prominent West End shows this season.
A Closer Look at the Ensemble and Supporting Cast
The large and diverse ensemble brings depth to the production, featuring performers such as Mireia Mambo, Louis Mackrodt, Mia Mullarkey, DeAngelo Jones, Natasha Leaver, Perry O’Dea, Alysha Sontae, Monica Swayne, Jon Tsouras, Harrison Wilde, and others. Swings like Myla Carmen, Barney Hudson, Nathan Louis-Fernand, Kirsty Anne Shaw, Ricardo Spriggs, and Regan Bailey Walker allow seamless transitions during performances. Child actors including Auora Breslin, Lois Haidar, Siena Merilind-Wu, and Ffion Rosalie Williams share the role of The Child, ensuring consistency in the production’s demands.
The Lasting Influence of Evita and Rachel Zegler’s Interpretation
This revival, highlighted by Rachel Zegler’s emotive take on “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” contributes to the enduring legacy of the musical. Zegler’s performance is a contemporary reflection that honors the historical and musical significance of the piece while appealing to today’s audiences. The recording offers a chance for a wider public to engage with the show beyond the theatre, emphasizing the global reach of the production.
As Evita continues its West End engagement, audiences can anticipate a polished performance combining storied musical theatre craftsmanship with the fresh energy of its cast and creative team. The revival not only celebrates a classic but also reintroduces it through new artistic perspectives, promising a vibrant theatrical season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Rachel Zegler actually Latina?
A. Some people were unhappy because an actress with Latin American heritage was chosen for the main role. However, Zegler, who has Colombian and Polish ancestry, is racially white.
Q. Is Rachel Zegler religious?
A. Rachel Zegler practices her faith. She finished her education at a Catholic high school, which is the same one my mom went to. Pope Francis views Palestine as its own country, and she agrees with this stance as a Catholic.
Q. What is Rachel Zegler mixed with?
A. Zegler comes from New Jersey. She once mentioned that her mom, Gina, was born in the United States, and her grandparents were Colombian immigrants. Her dad, Craig, has roots tracing back to Polish immigrants.
