by Debbie Tuma
So far, Bay Street Theater, in Sag Harbor, has had two successful and brilliant plays with political themes, and they are about to have another, with the opening of “Evita,” on July 31, and running through August 26. Their 2018 season started out with the popular play, “Fellow Travellers,” about Arthur Miller, Elia Kazan, and Marilyn Monroe struggling to create artistic plays during the stifling McCarthy era. Then it was the riveting “Frost/Nixon” play, about the true-life interviews between President Richard Nixon and David Frost in the turbulent Watergate era of the 1970’s.
Now the stage will take an international turn, focusing on political life in Argentina, when a new production of “Evita” comes to Sag Harbor. And the theater execs and crew are excited about this project.
Scott Schwartz, Artistic Director of Bay Street Theater, said ever since joining this theater, he has dreamt of bringing “this brilliant musical to our stage.”
“With a dazzling cast, and a first class design team, I know ‘Evita’ will be a thrilling theatrical event unlike any we’ve presented before,” said Schwartz. “The audience will be transported to a gritty Argentinean tango club where they will get close to the characters.”
“Evita” is a revival of the revolutionary musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It is directed by Bay Street’s Associate Artistic Director Will Pomerantz, and choreographed by Marcos Santana. This large-scale musical takes a new look at the iconic Eva Peron and her rise to the top as First Lady of Argentina. The classic score features the biggest hits from Webber and Rice, including “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina,” Another Suitcase, Another Hall,” and “High Flying, Adored.”
This musical stars Arianna Rosario as Eva Peron, and Omar Lopez-Cepero as Peron, her husband. It just happens that they are planning to marry in real life, as well! “Evita” also stars Trent Saunders as Che, Kyle Barisich as Magaldi, and Gabi Campo as The Mistress.
There is a special “Pay What You Can” night on July 31, but you must purchase your tickets starting at 11 am that day. There are previews from July 31 through August 3. And there are special sing-along nights following the performances on August 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26.
Bay Street is also offering great entertainment on “Music Mondays,” starting August 6 with fashion icon Isaac Mizrahi, live in concert. Then on August 13, it’s Charles Busch, with “My Kind of 60’s.” On August 20 is Bobby Conte Thornton, “Blame it on My Youth.” On August 27, look for Mandy Gonzalez, as seen in “Hamilton,” with her “Fearless” choir of local female vocalists.
Pick 3 of more shows, and you get 20 percent off.
For tickets and information, call Bay Street Theater Box office at 631-725-9500 or visit www.baystreet.org
