ECC Musical Theatre Presents “Evita”

Experience the passion, power, and electrifying music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s “Evita,” presented by Elgin Community College (ECC) Musical Theatre, July 24 through August 2, in the ECC Arts Center’s Blizzard Theatre.

Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Evita” tells the true story of Eva Perón, who rose from humble beginnings to become one of Argentina’s most iconic and influential figures.

This powerhouse production is co-directed by Marc Beth and Chris Cherry, featuring dynamic choreography by Jennifer Cupani.

“Evita is my all-time favorite musical,” said Beth. “My dad bought me the original Broadway double album when I was a teen, and it was then that I realized that musicals could sound like exciting rock and roll mixed with amazing ballads and Latin dance. The story always captivated me: how Eva Perón rose in society and was met with resistance every step of the way from the establishment. I see a lot of parallels between Argentina in the 1940s and 1950s and America today, and it is so exciting to bring this story to life.”

Beth also praised the unique creative leadership team behind the production.

“We have an amazing directing team, with Chris Cherry and me splitting both directing and music directing duties,” Beth said. “We’re also fortunate to have a super-talented choreographer, Jen Cupani, who is bringing movement to the show that highlights the drama and excitement of the music. There are many ECC students involved in this production, as well, which is always so wonderful to see.”

This production offers audiences several unique highlights:

• A full live orchestra of more than 20 musicians will share the Blizzard Theatre stage with the cast, blending the talents of seasoned professional musicians and standout student performers from the area.
• Evita is a rock opera told almost entirely through music, with very few spoken lines. The production showcases the powerful score of Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

ASL Performance

A special performance of “Evita,” interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing, will be held on Friday, July 31, at 7:30 pm in the ECC Arts Center’s Blizzard Theatre.

The ASL interpreters will be located near the stage, and patrons will be seated in an area of the theatre that offers the best sight lines to follow the interpretation and action on stage.

The ECC Arts Center offers dedicated accessible seating for patrons utilizing wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices, as well as companion seating.

Accessibility Note

Accessible seats are marked with a wheelchair icon on the online ticketing map (at eccartscenter.org). To best view the ASL interpreter, select seats marked with an icon of an ear on the seating map. 

You can also contact the Box Office directly and request to purchase accessible seats for any of the performances, or seats for the ASL Interpreted show on July 31.

All "Evita" performances run July 24 through August 2 in the ECC Arts Center’s Blizzard Theatre, located on the ECC Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Building H, in Elgin, Illinois.

Performance Dates and Times:

• July 24, 25, 31, and August 1 at 7:30 pm
• July 26 and August 2 at 3 pm

Tickets

Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for seniors and students. Purchase tickets online at eccartscenter.org, by calling 847-622-0300, or by visiting the ECC Arts Center Box Office. ECC students are admitted free with a valid student ID and may pick up tickets at the Box Office.