John DeGaetano, will direct the famous musical at the Raven Performing Arts Theater in Healdsburg California this summer 2013. “Evita was a woman who came from nothing and wanted everything,” says DeGaetano, long-time president of the Raven Players. “In real life, she was the focal point of a country. I’m looking for a person who can use emotion and song to translate that ambition to the stage at the Evita Musical Auditions.”
At the Evita Musical Auditions: With rehearsals starting in April for an opening night on June 21, Evita promises to be the California’s North Bay musical event of the year. The Raven Theater will conduct open casting for Evita. “As a community theater, I feel we owe it to reach far out into the community,” says DeGaetano. So, somewhere and beyond, are the people who will play not only Evita, but also the passionate revolutionary Che Guevara, the powerful Argentinian President Juan Perón, the suave tango singer Migaldi, and Perón’s sweet-voiced mistress.
The ideal Evita will be able to play ages 18 to 33 while projecting both toughness and charisma. She’ll need stamina, because it’s a demanding role, requiring a voice that can “belt up to an F,” says DeGaetano, who adds that he looks for “a sparkle in the eye” when he’s casting. For Che Guevara, he needs an actor with a high, rock tenor voice. Che’s character is dashing, impulsive, jealous, and manipulative. For Juan Perón, he needs an actor between the ages of 30 and 55 with a powerful baritone voice, able to portray a man who was dignified, charming, and authoritative. A handsome actor with a high baritone voice is needed for Migaldi, Eva’s first real love interest. Finally, for the role of Perón’s Mistress, DeGaetano is looking for an actress between 18 and 30 with a high, sweet voice that can belt to an E for her beautiful solo. Also needed are ensemble players for a children’s chorus, a women’s chorus, the people of Buenos Aires, and other roles.
The Raven is one of only a few theater companies licensed to perform Evita outside New York. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the musical debuted in London’s West End in 1978. The compelling score fuses haunting chorales with exuberant Latin, pop, and jazz influences to create an arresting theatrical portrait as complex as the woman herself. Blessed with ambition and magnetism, but not long life, Evita becomes a starlet at 22, the president’s mistress at 24, and First Lady at 27, only to die of cancer at 33. Despite her glamorous image, Evita advocated for los descamisados, “the shirtless ones,” and championed workers’ and women’s rights, leaving a unique political legacy about which opinions still vary.
You can pre-register for the Evita Musical Auditions and any role by writing the director (subject line: Evita Musical Auditions) or the YouTube Video Pre Register Audition Link will help performers prepare for auditions. Auditions will be held at the Raven Performing Arts Theater, 115 North Street, Healdsburg, on Wednesday, March 20 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, March 23 at 1:00 pm only. No appointment is necessary, but please be on time. Auditioners are asked to prepare a contemporary theatre song. An accompanist will be provided. You may sing from the show if you’re interested in a particular character. Dance routine will be segmented within auditions, so please bring appropriate clothing and shoes. Callbacks to be determined.
