“Evita,” October 4 through 13

Friday, October 4, through Sunday, October 13

Spotlight Theatre, 1800 Seventh Avenue, Moline IL

Winner of seven 1980 Tony Awards including Best Musical and one of the most legendary titles on the estimable resumes of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice, the Broadway smash Evita enjoys an October 4 through 13 run at Moline's Spotlight Theatre, the original New York production of this iconic musical having finally closed after five-and-a-half years and 1,567 performances.

Evita is based on the historical story of María Eva Duarte de Perón, a poor Argentinian girl who grows up to be the wife of the president of Argentina, worshipped by her people. As a young woman who longs for an acting career, fame, and fortune, Eva quickly learns that her feminine wiles hold power among a culture, and a political system, run by men. Once she makes it to Buenos Aires, Evita finds fame and power in her powers of seduction, eventually seducing the rising political figure, Juan Perón, who becomes the President of Argentina. As First Lady of Argentina, she aligns herself with the poor, winning herself, and Perón, popularity among Argentinians. Evita becomes a hero to the poor and the working class—and an enemy to the rich. A young and unknown revolutionary, Ché, narrates the rise and fall of the beloved matriarch of the Argentinian people. This blockbuster musical, made even more famous as a 1996 Hollywood film starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, shows both the righteous determination, and the ruthless power, of Argentina’s 20th century matriarch.

Directing Evita is Spotlight Theatre veteran Becca Meumann-Johnson, who previously helmed the venue's Tuck Everlasting, co-starred in shows including Legally Blonde: The Musical and Little Shop of Horrors, and also, at Moline's Black Box Theatre, directed such works as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and I Love You Because. With Spotlight Theatre co-owners and artistic directors Brent Tubbs (who also designed the production) and Sara Tubbs serving as producers, additional members of Meumann-Johnson's creative team include: directing intern Ayanna Tremaine; musical director Randin Letendre; choreographer Ellie Allen; assistant to the choreographer Joel Vanderbush; stage manager Kassidy Holdridge; costume, hair, and makeup designer Sara Wegener; assistant to the choreographer Whitney Carnahan; props master Sarah Greim; and fight choreographer Lily Blouin.

Sara Tubbs, recently seen in the theatre's Tarzan: The Musical and School of Rock: The Musical, assumes the vocally and emotionally challenging role of Eva Peron, with Che portrayed by Matthew Call, Peron by Matthew Downey, Magaldi by Michael Dunn, and the Mistress by Harmoni Eiland. Twenty area talents compose the show's chorus: Grace Mottet; Harmoni Eiland; Yvonne Siddique; Amaris Olivia-VanDeWalle; Emma Torronez; Christianna Crosby; Denice Durbi; Dorothy Turner; Jennifer Gregory; Tim Knipper; Michael Dunn; Erik Finch; Joel Vanderbush; Craig Gaul; Robert Gregory; Ted Brown; Bryson Maiden; Jorge Mendez; Maxwell Johnson; and Daniel Hauskins. The children's chorus and Santa Evita chorus features: Meyer Wikoff; Kayley Mosley; Whitney Brown; Cooper Tubbs; Dalton Carls; and Brighton Greim. And performing as Evita's dance ensemble are: Stephanie Curtis; Amanda Rogers; Kylie Wise; Melissa Birdsell; Manoela Baqueiro; Olga Betzel; Emilienne Leone; and Justin Kline.

Evita runs in Moline from October 4 through 13, with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Admission is $20-25, and more information and tickets are available by calling 309-912-7647 and visiting TheSpotlightTheatreQC.com.