In the typical style of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Evita both fictionalises and romanticises the short life of Eva Duarte, the wife of Argentine dictator Juan Perón. But enough about the politics; on with the show.
The theatre production is showing at Montecasino in Johannesburg and, up front, it must be said this version is beautifully staged and wonderfully directed and choreographed. Overall, it's a great evening out.
Anton Luitingh shines as Magaldi and is probably the star of the show. His singing and acting is on point – there wasn't a minute the audience was not captivated by his extraordinary talent.
Jonathan Roxmouth delivers a noteworthy and enthusiastic performance as Che. Apart from being slightly breathy on his first number, Oh What a Circus, he found his voice and hit every note perfectly, earning him a well-earned standing ovation at the curtain call. (One wonders why he hasn't left us for the heady delights of the West End or Broadway.)