Rachel Zegler won the Best Actress in a Musical at the Laurence Olivier Awards this year for her portrayal of Eva Perón in her West End debut of Evita. Now the musical will have its Broadway run, with Zegler reprising the role for the New York audience. It will be directed by JamieLloyd, who also helmed the West End version, and it will take place at the Shubert Theatre.
Broadway version won’t have singing-on-balcony segment, says director
The musical, originally written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, is set to transfer from London to Broadway in spring 2027. This follows a successful London (West End) run, which generated strong buzz for its contemporary reinterpretation of Eva Perón’s story. The stage production is based on the life and times of Argentina’s iconic First Lady, reflecting on her beginnings, rise to prominence, political life, and tragic early death.
Zegler said she “can’t wait” to perform in the musical in her home city, calling it “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
“Performing Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s brilliant show in London was a dream come true, but being able to partner once again with Jamie to bring Evita to Broadway is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Zegler said in a statement, adding, “I can’t wait to perform for my home, New York City.”
However, one of the memorable segments of the West End production will not be replicated for the Broadway audience. In the London version, the actor appeared on the theatre’s balcony and sang “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” live to crowds gathered on the street below, but that will not be part of the New York run due to safety concerns around gun violence in the United States.
“The one thing that absolutely cannot happen is what we did in London on the balcony,” Lloyd told USA Today, adding, “We can’t do that in New York. I mean, something awful could happen. We have gun laws in Britain.”
However, he said the moment would be replaced with a new idea tailored specifically for Broadway. “I am really excited to explore a new idea, made especially for Broadway,” he added.
Are you excited about Evita coming to Broadway? Let us know in the comments section below.
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