The London Palladium’s current revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical Evita, which began previews on June 14, has released a new single featuring Rachel Zegler performing the iconic second-act song, “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” This release highlights Zegler’s role as Eva in the Jamie Lloyd-directed production and offers fans two versions of her powerful rendition: a polished studio track and a live recording from the Palladium balcony where she sings nightly.
Details of the Cast and Musical Direction
In this revival, Rachel Zegler stars alongside Diego Andres Rodriguez, making his Broadway debut as Che, James Olivas as Juan Perón, Aaron Lee Lambert as Agustín Magaldi, and Bella Brown serving as both The Mistress and alternate Eva. The extensive ensemble includes performers such as Carl Au, Gabriela Benedetti, Shakara Brown, Damian Buhagiar, Kyeirah D’Marni, and Sally Frith, among others. The production also features multiple swings and children sharing roles, including Auora Breslin and Ffion Rosalie Williams as The Child.
The creative team boasts choreographer Fabian Aloise, set and costume designer Soutra Gilmour, music supervisor and musical director Alan Williams, lighting designer Jon Clark, and sound designer Adam Fisher. Most of these artists return from the 2019 Regent’s Park production, with casting led by Will Burton and U.S. casting overseen by Jim Carnahan. Additional roles on the team include wig and makeup designer Carole Hancock, fight director Kate Waters, and intimacy coordinator Ingrid Mackinnon.
The Story Behind Evita and Its Musical Legacy
Evita traces the life of Eva Duarte, a young girl born in Los Toldos who rose to prominence as an actress and eventually became the First Lady of Argentina before dying of cancer at 33. The musical, sung through without spoken dialogue, includes notable numbers such as “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Buenos Aires,” and “Rainbow High.”
Initially released as a double album in 1976 with Julie Covington as Eva and Colm Wilkinson as Che, Evita was staged in London and New York by Harold Prince, helping to launch careers, including Elaine Paige in the original West End cast, and Mandy Patinkin and Patti LuPone on Broadway, where the show won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. This production marked the last major collaboration between Lloyd Webber and Rice after previous successes like Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Historical and Recent Productions of Evita
The musical was adapted into a major film in 1996 starring Madonna, Antonio Banderas, and Jonathan Pryce. The Broadway stage has seen several revivals, the most recent being in 2012 featuring Elena Roger and Ricky Martin. Although there have been efforts to revive the show on Broadway, such as the 2019 City Center staging directed by Sammi Cannold with Solea Pfeiffer and Maia Reficco sharing the title role, no official return to the Main Stem has yet been confirmed.
The 2019 Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre revival, directed by Jamie Lloyd, was the precursor to the current West End production, which continues to run with performances scheduled through September 6.
Production Leadership and Ongoing Performances
Michael Harrison produces the current revival under Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, with Jamie Lloyd Company collaborating through an arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd. The show continues to draw audiences eager to experience this celebrated musical live in London, featuring a talented cast that breathes new life into the enduring story of Eva Perón.
Significance of the Revival and Rachel Zegler’s Contribution
This production highlights Rachel Zegler’s emergence as a formidable musical theatre star, interpreting one of musical theatre’s most emotional and recognizable songs. The release of the single “Rachel Zegler Don’t Cry Argentina” coincides with the revitalization of a timeless story, ensuring that both newcomers and longtime fans can connect with the narrative through her compelling performance. With creative talents spanning design, music, and direction, the revival honors the legacy of Evita while showcasing contemporary theatrical artistry.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Rachel Zegler actually Latina?
A. Some people were unhappy with a Latina actress taking the main role, even though Zegler is of Colombian and Polish background and considered racially white.
Q. Is Rachel Zegler religious?
A. Rachel Zegler practices her faith actively. She finished high school at a Catholic institution, the same one my mom went to. Pope Francis acknowledges Palestine as a separate nation, and she agrees with this view as a Catholic.
Q. What is Rachel Zegler mixed with?
A. Rachel Zegler was born in New Jersey. Her mother, Gina, is the daughter of Colombian immigrants and was born in the United States. Her father, Craig, has Polish immigrant roots.
