Asolo Rep stages retooled version of Webber’s classic ‘Evita’

“Jesus Christ Superstar” made Andrew Lloyd Webber famous. His next show, “Jeeves,” was such a monumental flop that it might have derailed his career.

Fortunately for Sir Andrew, he quickly came back with “Evita.” It followed the “Superstar” formula: The story was fact-based, Webber returned to his partnership with “Superstar” lyricist Tim Rice, and the show debuted as a record album the year before it hit the stage.

A new production of the classic musical opens Saturday at Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota.

According to Nick Duckart, who plays Evita’s husband Juan Peron, the new staging strips away a lot of the elements of the show that have become familiar and puts more emphasis on the show’s characters and their motivations.

Of course, it still has all the Webber-Rice songs, including “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “The Art of the Possible” and “Another Suitcase in Another Hall,” which is perhaps the prettiest melody Webber has composed.

The director and choreographer of the production is Josh Rhodes. He’s been at the helm for a lot of Asolo productions, including last season’s lively and colorful staging of “Guys and Dolls.”

Details: Nov. 18-Dec. 30, Mertz Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $17-$125. 941-351-8000, asolorep.org.

This story was originally published November 15, 2017 at 2:36 PM with the headline "Asolo Rep stages retooled version of Webber’s classic ‘Evita’."