The latest trailer for the London revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita, starring Rachel Zegler in the lead role, has been released as the production continues its run at the London Palladium. The musical began previews on June 14, bringing new life to the story of Eva Duarte with Zegler’s performance drawing significant attention.
This revival, directed by Jamie Lloyd, features Zegler as Eva, supported by a talented cast including Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che, James Olivas portraying Juan Perón, Aaron Lee Lambert as Agustín Magaldi, and Bella Brown in the dual role of The Mistress and alternate Eva. The production offers a fresh interpretation while honoring the legacy of this classic musical.
Cast and Ensemble Bringing Evita’s Story to the West End
The production boasts a diverse ensemble that rounds out the dramatic retelling of Eva Duarte’s rise. Alongside the principal cast are performers such as Carl Au, Gabriela Benedetti, Shakara Brown, Damian Buhagiar, Kyeirah D’Marni, Sally Frith, and DeAngelo Jones. The company also includes Lucas Koch, Natasha Leaver, Michael Lin, Dianté Lodge, Louis Mackrodt, Mireia Mambo, Mia Mullarkey, Perry O’Dea, Alysha Sontae, Monica Swayne, Jon Tsouras, and Harrison Wilde. Swings covering multiple roles include Myla Carmen, Barney Hudson, Nathan Louis-Fernand, Kirsty Anne Shaw, Ricardo Spriggs, and Regan Bailey Walker. Additionally, four performers—Auora Breslin, Lois Haidar, Siena Merilind-Wu, and Ffion Rosalie Williams—share the role of The Child.
Creative Team Behind Evita’s Return to the London Stage
The creative vision for this revival is led by choreographer Fabian Aloise, with set and costume design by Soutra Gilmour. Alan Williams serves as music supervisor and musical director, continuing his involvement from the 2019 Regent’s Park production. Lighting is designed by Jon Clark, and sound design by Adam Fisher completes the sensory experience. Casting responsibilities are divided between Will Burton and Jim Carnahan for the U.S. talent lineup. The team also includes wig, hair, and makeup designer Carole Hancock; children’s casting director and administrator Harry Blumenau; fight director Kate Waters; prop supervisor Lily Mollgaard; intimacy coordinator Ingrid Mackinnon; and orchestral management by Andy Barnwell and Rich Weedon representing BW Musicians.
Evita’s Story: From Humble Beginnings to Argentina’s First Lady
This through-sung musical chronicles the life of Eva Duarte, a young woman born out of wedlock in Los Toldos, Argentina, who rose to prominence as an actress and ultimately as the country’s First Lady. Her journey, marked with ambition and tragedy, ends with her death at 33 from cancer. Signature songs within the production include “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Buenos Aires,” “Rainbow High,” and “High Flying Adored,” which capture the emotional and political dimensions of her life.
Historical Context and Legacy of Evita
Evita was originally released as a two-LP recording in 1976 featuring Julie Covington in the titular role alongside Colm Wilkinson as Che. Harold Prince directed the original London and New York productions, with Elaine Paige achieving stardom in London in 1978 and Mandy Patinkin and Patti LuPone headlining the Broadway debut in 1979. The Broadway version won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, who had earlier teamed up on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar, concluded their major collaborative work with Evita.
The musical has seen notable adaptations, including the 1996 film starring Madonna, Antonio Banderas, and Jonathan Pryce. Its last Broadway revival was in 2012 with Elena Roger and Ricky Martin, while more recent New York productions, including one in 2019 directed by Sammi Cannold, featured Solea Pfeiffer and Maia Reficco sharing the role.
Production History: Jamie Lloyd’s Influence and Upcoming Run
Jamie Lloyd initially directed Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2019 before bringing this revival to the London Palladium. Performances are scheduled to continue through September 6, giving audiences several months to experience this rendition.
The production is produced by Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals and Jamie Lloyd for The Jamie Lloyd Company, presented by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd. The revival’s return offers a contemporary interpretation while preserving the musical’s celebrated heritage.
Visual Highlights from the West End Evita Revival
Photographs from the West End production showcase the cast in character, including moments featuring Bella Brown, Carl Au, Damian Buhagiar, DeAngelo Jones, James Olivas, and Rachel Zegler. These images capture the ensemble‘s dynamic performances and the elaborate staging reflective of Evita’s dramatic narrative.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot get along?
A. Gadot takes on the role of the Evil Queen in the live-action remake. A source informed People on Friday that Gadot is “bothered by the movie drama.” The source explained that although Gadot had a good time filming and got along with Rachel, they are not friends.
Q. Did Disney fire Rachel Zegler?
A. Even though many people are talking about it, Rachel Zegler has not been let go by Disney. The live-action Snow White came out as scheduled, but it has faced criticism since it was first announced.
Q. What did Jennifer Lawrence say to Rachel Zegler?
A. Rachel Zegler shared that when she and Jennifer Lawrence first met, Lawrence playfully suggested they take a photo of her pretending to strangle Zegler, joking about protecting her acting role.
Q. Do Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler get along?
A. The two were never friendly, but their differing political views appear to have turned their cordial association into a distant one.
