OXFORD, Miss. – Based on the true story of Argentina’s
infamous first lady Eva Peron, the musical production
“Evita” is to be performed Feb. 18 at the University of
Mississippi.
Told through song and dance, the story comes to life at 8
p.m. at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing
Arts.
Tickets are $35, $32 and $29 for various seating and
available by visiting the UM Box Office in the Student
Union, Ford Center Box Office or online at
http://www.olemiss.edu/fordcenter/. The also can be
purchased by calling 662-915-7411.
“I think ‘Evita’ will have very broad appeal because the
musical is a story of love and politics, showing all the
battles and triumphs Eva had in her short but amazing
life,” said Norm Easterbrook, Ford Center director.
“Moreover, the production will use the center’s
infrastructure the physical structure that makes the Ford
Center unique in this region to its best advantage.”
Set in 1939, the story follows the young Eva (Evita) Duarte
from her small hometown to Buenos Aires, where she uses her
feminine powers to climb the ladder of success, first as a
model, then an actor and finally as the wife of General
Juan Peron. When Peron was elected president of Argentina,
Eva became the most powerful woman in South America.
“Evita” opened its New York run at the Broadway Theatre on
Sept. 25, 1979, with actress Patti LuPone in the lead. The
production ran for 1,567 performances and spawned several
touring companies. The 1996 screen version of “Evita”
featured Madonna and Antonio Banderas.
“Eva Peron was a legendary figure,” Easterbrook said. “This
musical displays that legendary life before our eyes and
we’ll see why she was the most hated and most beloved woman
in Argentina.”
A complete list of upcoming Ford Center events is available
by visiting
http://www.olemiss.edu/fordcenter/. For assistance
related to a disability, call 662-915-7411.