Asolo Rep to start season on a high note with ‘Evita’

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice created a pop opera out of one of the most iconic rags-to-riches stories of all time, and now the Tony award-winning production is coming to Sarasota.

“Evita” tells the story of Eva Perón, the woman who rose from poverty to become the First Lady of Argentina at the young age of 27.

Asolo Repertory Theatre offered a sneak preview of the show, which will kick off the company’s 2017-2018 season, to media and top supporters on Nov. 1 on the terrace of the Ca' d'Zan.

Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards introduced the show, which will be directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes. Sinai Tabak will serve as music director.

“I’m in charge of metaphor, of poetry, but the people who illuminate that are sitting next to me,” Rhodes said, referring to the cast seated next to the podium.

The ensemble performed “And the Money Kept Rolling In,” and Ana Isabelle (Evita) performed “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.”

“Evita” runs from Nov. 14- Dec. 30.