Musicals At Richter Season Continuing With Production Of ‘Evita’

DANBURY — Musicals at Richter is continuing its season with Evita, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s riveting musical about the legendary Eva Peron, through July 22 on the grounds of Richter Arts Center. Performances are under the stars Friday through Sunday evenings at 8:30 pm. The arts center is at 100 Aunt Hack Road, adjacent to Richter Golf Course.

The 1980 Tony Award-winning musical chronicles the methodic rise of Eva Peron, the first wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, from her impoverished beginnings and initial success as a popular screen actress to her virtual sainthood as the wealthy and powerful First Lady of Argentina. Songs from the electrifying score include “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina,” “On This Night of a Thousand Stars,” “Buenos Aires,” “High Flying Adored,” “I’d Be Surprisingly Good For You” and “Another Suitcase in Another Hall.”

Heading the cast of 60 area performers are Sarah Lee Michaels of Wilton as the charismatic and indomitable Eva, John Congdon of Bridgeport as the cynical revolutionary Che Guevara, David Roth of Trumbull as the politically astute Juan Peron, Greg Hatzis of Norwalk as Magaldi, the cuckolded tango singer, and Alyssa Northrop of Danbury as Juan Peron’s young mistress.

The ensemble features accomplished singer/dancers from Fairfield, Westchester and Putnam counties, and a children’s chorus of 20. Staged by George Vollano of Newtown, the production’s musical direction is by Carl Anderson of Danbury and choreography is by Joanne Bourgeois of Newtown. Set design is by Andrew Knapp, also of Newtown.

Tickets for Richter’s mainstage musicals are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for children or students; group and subscription rates are available. Grounds open at 7:15 pm for picnicking, with curtain time at 8:30 pm. Chair rentals are available with advance reservation.

For reservations and further information, call the box office at 748-6873.