Musical gets debut on Dudley stage
A group of amateur thespians are bringing a classic Broadway musical to Dudley for the first time.
Cradley Heath Amateur Operatic Society (CHAOS) will be performing Tim Rice's and Andrew Lloyd-Webber's Evita at Stourbridge Town Hall.
Evita charts the young and ambitious political leader Eva Peron's rise to power and sainthood.
Set in Argentina between 1934 and 1952, the Tony-winning musical follows Eva on her journey from poor illegitimate child to ambitious actress to, as wife of military leader-turned-president Juan Peron, the most powerful woman in Latin America.
Paul Murdock, cast member, said: "We are looking forward to the challenge of combining not only the dramatic storyline this will be the first through-composed rock opera that we have put on. There is no dialogue to hide behind, it is literally all-singing and all-dancing."
The musical will feature well-known numbers from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber's musical masterpiece include "Don't Cry For Me Argentina", "Oh What A Circus", "High Flying, Adored", "On This Night of a Thousand Stars" and "Another Suitcase in Another Hall".
Paul added: "Rehearsals started in April, with the major auditions in May, and we rehearse up to three evenings a week.
"Even though we are amateur in name, we still have to maintain award-winning standards that justify our audiences coming to see us year after year. With as very strong Production Team, who are taking us through our paces, we are greatly looking forward to this year's venture.
Heading the cast, in the iconic role of Eva Peron, is the Liz Compton who has been a member of CHAOS for 19 years, as Che Paul Gardner, with J. Paul Murdock s tango singer Augustin Magaldi and Jennie Wall as the Mistress.
CHAOS promise a strong principal cast as well as a hard working dance troupe and ensemble.
Taking on the role of Juan Peron is Chris Psaras who came to CHAOS having recently produced Brierley Hill MTC's Youth Show 'Rock of Ages'.
Seasoned Stage Director Steve Humpherson, Musical Director Chris Handley and the group's new Choreographer Richard Lathbury-Howell have been gearing up for the show's debut performance next month.
Evita will be on from Tuesday November 12 to Saturday November 16 with an evening curtain-up of 7:30pm and a Saturday Matinee starting at 2:30pm.
Tickets are on sale from £15, to book call the Box Office on 0121 585 7380.
