‘Evita’at BroadHollow Theatre

The BroadHollow Theatre in Elmont will present a production of “Evita,” taking advantage of a year where women are achieving new milestones.
“It seemed like it was going to be a woman’s year. Things were now possible for women that were never possible before,” said director Laura Wallace-Rhodes, noting the prominence of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin. “We thought it was the right time to showcase a Latin American woman who made great changes politically, economically and socially for her country at a time when women were handbags, they were accessories.”
The decision to do “Evita” was made late spring. Rehearsals began six weeks prior to the show’s October 11 opening.
The musical focuses on the life of Eva Pern, who was married to Argentine President Juan Pern.
Wallace-Rhodes said that, although the actual material for the show cannot be changed, the intentions can, which is what BroadHollow did in putting “Evita” together.
“The biggest challenge is using the material that we were given and telling the story from a different point of view,” she said. “It’s been a real acting challenge to change the intentions with the words that you’re given…”
Although Wallace-Rhodes said that in the play Eva Pern is seen as mean or greedy, she said she was a human being who cared for the poor and “made a very big difference for the poor in her country.”
This version of BroadHollow also looks to show the love between Eva and Juan Pern more.
“I think they put the show in a way that it can actually be understood and entertaining for everyone,” said Astoria resident Stephanie Bashall, who is a member of the show’s ensemble.
This marks the third show that Bashall has done with BroadHollow. She said that she is most looking forward to all of the costumes and dancing that are involved with the production.
Formerly a resident of Richmond Hill and now also living in Astoria, Johnn Cunningham got involved with the theatre company through the suggestion of Bashall. He too is a member of the general ensemble and said the highlight of the experience for him has been dancing, since he had no prior dancing experience.
“I hope they [the audience] see it’s ‘Evita’ with a little bit more snazz to it,” he said.
The remaining performances of “Evita” will be at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 17, Saturday, October 18, Wednesday, October 22, Friday, October 24, Saturday, October 25, Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1; at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, Sunday, Octber 26, and Sunday, November 2; and at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22.
“We’re ready to see how an audience in 2008 is going to accept this material,” said Wallace-Rhodes, adding that she would like to see more Queens people come out for the production.
The cost of admission is $28 for adults, $25 for seniors, $18 for students and $14 for youth.
BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont is located at 700 Hempstead Turnpike. For more information, call 516-775-4420 or 631-581-2700 or visit www.broadhollow.org.