Arts & Entertainment
Blond ambition
National ‘Evita’ touring production sturdy, serviceable
Caroline Bowman in ‘Evita.’ (Photo by Richard Termine; courtesy Kennedy Center)
‘Evita’
Through Oct. 19
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F St. NW
$39-125
Kennedy-center.org
Since its London world premiere in 1978 and subsequent global success, Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “Evita” has been produced ad infinitum.
And whether it’s Broadway’s Patti LuPone or Madonna on the big screen, the woman in the title role ultimately determines each version’s success. Playing Argentina’s controversial first lady who slept her way to power and position and died young isn’t easy — the part is vocally challenging and requires more than a modicum of charisma.
In the national tour of the 2012 Broadway revival now at the Kennedy Center Opera House, Caroline Bowman takes on the part. As the young Eva Duarte, Bowman misses the grit and energy of the provincial teenage dancehall girl — she might as well be playing the naïve ingénue in a comedy of manners. But it’s her turn as the slightly older and blonder Eva in which Bowman excels, skillfully conveying the outsized ambition and complexities churning behind Eva’s calculated façade.
In fact, neither Bowman’s performance nor the entire production staged by Michael Grandage really take off until Eva bleaches her hair.
Told in flashbacks, the sung-through pop opera begins and ends with Eva’s funeral. Young Eva and the musical fable’s narrator Che (Max Quinlan) emerge from a shadowy gathering of mourners and the story unfolds. In fast moving scenes, Eva climbs from poor, illegitimately born provincial girl to radio actress to girlfriend and later wife of military officer and politico Juan Perón (Sean MacLaughlin). Yes, in pursuit of fame and fortune she changes men like underwear but all that stops with Perón. In him, Eva finds her ticket to the big time.
Despised by the bourgeoisie and the military for her low birth and undue influence her husband, Eva finds an adoring power base in the working classes. “I am you,” she sings to them. As first lady, she gains popularity by funding numerous charities.
Her ascent is tracked musically with “Buenos Aires,” “High Flying, Adored” and, most memorably “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” which she sings to the crowds from the presidential residence’s balcony. Diamond like in a shimmering strapless ball gown, Eva’s beatification is complete. Not one to miss an opportunity, Perón puts his wife’s charisma to use and sends her on a European goodwill tour. Her Rainbow tour is cut short by the cancer that will soon kill her at 33 in 1952.
Set and costume designer Christopher Oram envisions a gloomy Buenos Aires of soaring colonnades, tall arched windows and heavy doors. His costumes are painstakingly period (‘30s and ‘40s). Most striking are Eva’s balcony scene gown and Dior-inspired traveling suits.
Throughout the show, choreographer Rob Ashford cleverly employs tango in scenes involving mourners, lovers and friends. He even partners soldiers in a more combative variation of the dance.
Lloyd Weber’s score is gorgeously sung by the three principals and Christopher Johnstone as Magaldi, the schmaltzy tango singer who reluctantly brings teenage Eva to Buenos Aires.
Without his trademark beret, Quinlan’s Che is less politicized. He possesses the irony but lacks the fire of a revolutionary. As quietly ambitious Perón, McLaughlin (whom local audiences will remember from Signature Theatre) is terrific. He’s a seductive presence and makes a believable love match for Bowman’s Eva.
Unfortunately an otherwise strong and energetic effort is marred by some audio problems. On press night, Tim Rice’s lyrics were difficult to decipher. Those familiar with the songbook fared best.
Still, this “Evita” is a production well worth seeing.
Friday, April 17
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7:00p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, April 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Sunday, April 19
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Lunch” at 11 a.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, April 20
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, April 21
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Senior Self Defense Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, April 22
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Asexual and Aromantic Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, April 23
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Out & About
Team DC’s annual gala set for this weekend
LGBTQ sports organization to hold annual ‘Night of Champions’
Team DC will host “Night of Champions Gala” on Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Marriott.
This will be an evening of celebration and inspiration as Team DC honors remarkable individuals and supports the next generation of LGBTQ student-athletes.
There will be opportunities to support Team DC through auctions. The Silent Auction items will offer an array of unique goods and experiences. Additionally, Team DC will feature an exclusive selection of live auction items for those looking to make a significant impact.
This year, Team DC will recognize six outstanding awardees who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ community and sports:
- Trailblazer Award – Adam Peck, District Wrestling
- Most Valuable Person Award – Sean Bartel (posthumously)
- Champion Award – Dan Martin
- Clark Ray Horizon Award – Manuel Montelongo, aka Mari Con Carne
- Bernard Jude Delia Award – Dr. Sara Varghai
- Platinum All Star Award – Centaur Motorcycle Club
To purchase tickets, visit Team DC’s website.
Television
‘The Pitt’ stars discuss what season two gets right about queer representation
Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden spoke with Blade in LA
As season two of “The Pitt” comes to a close this Thursday, stars Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden are looking back on what this season got right about queer representation.
“There is some intentionality behind it, but it’s not necessarily for the representation to be anything other than human or ubiquitous to anyone that would come into an emergency room,” Noah Wyle, who plays Dr. Robby, told the Los Angeles Blade at PaleyFest event in Los Angeles on April 12. “I know that we’ve done some storylines with some gay couples, and we did a storyline in season 1 where a woman comes in who’s cut her arm, who’s trans. But in both of those storylines, that wasn’t the point.”
Wyle continues, “In doing it that way, and not making a point of orientation being part of the problem that brings you to the emergency room, we have been told in feedback that that has been extremely revolutionary, almost, and extremely appreciated. But that’s true whether we do storylines with any kind of minority or a person with a disability. We try to have a cosmology of cast and representation on the show that’s indicative of what you find in Pittsburgh.”
Dearden, who plays Dr. Mel King, echoed Wyle’s sentiment: “I think constantly battling tropes is always important. It’s not a show about romance; it’s a show about real life and a shift in the ER. The more we represent everyday people going through everyday life, they just happen to be queer, they just happen to be trans, and making it not the plot, is putting everyone on equal playing [field]. You don’t have to have a big coming out scene.”
Queer representation on “The Pitt” is also notable through the actual actors themselves, including openly queer actor Supriya Ganesh, who plays Dr. Samira Mohan (who didn’t attend PaleyFest after the news that she is not returning for season three), and Amielynn Abellera, who plays Perlah Alawi.
“Doctors don’t put value judgments on who they treat,” Wyle concludes. “That’s not a luxury extended to them, and so that’s not part of our storytelling.”
The season two finale will air Thursday, April 16, on HBO Max, while season three has already been confirmed and is currently being written.
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