Where’s the Raven’s Evita?

“Where’s my Evita?” That’s the question on the mind of John DeGaetano, who will direct the famous musical at the Raven Performing Arts Theater this summer.
“Evita was a woman who came from nothing and wanted everything,” says DeGaetano, long-time president of the Raven Players. “In real life, she was the focal point of a country. I’m looking for a person who can use emotion and song to translate that ambition to the stage.”
With rehearsals starting in April for an opening night on June 21, Evita promises to be Healdsburg’s musical event of the year. As they do for every production, the Raven Players will conduct open casting. “As a community theater group, I feel we owe it to reach out to the community,” says DeGaetano. “I ask people to come and we’ll take it from there. Sometimes they just need a little push to get on stage.”
So, somewhere out there in Sonoma County or beyond, are the people who will play not only Evita, but also the passionate revolutionary Che Guevara, the powerful Argentinian President Juan Perón, the suave tango singer Migaldi, and Perón’s sweet-voiced mistress.
The Raven Players are supportive during auditions. “Boosting courage is key,” DeGaetano says. “I let auditioners talk about themselves, be themselves, and most importantly, I want them to know that I’m listening. I explain the entire process throughout, so they understand the schedule and know exactly what to expect.”
His ideal Evita will be able to play ages 18 to 33 while projecting both toughness and charisma. She’ll need stamina, because it’s a demanding role, requiring a voice that can “belt up to an F,” says DeGaetano, who adds that he looks for “a sparkle in the eye” when he’s casting.
For Che Guevara, he needs an actor with a high, rock tenor voice. Che’s character is dashing, impulsive, jealous, and manipulative. For Juan Perón, he needs an actor between the ages of 30 and 55 with a powerful baritone voice, able to portray a man who was dignified, charming, and authoritative.
A handsome actor with a high baritone voice is needed for Migaldi, Eva’s first real love interest. Finally, for the role of Perón’s mistress, DeGaetano is looking for an actress between 18 and 30 with a high, sweet voice that can belt to an E for her beautiful solo.
Also needed are ensemble players for a children’s chorus, a women’s chorus, the people of Buenos Aires, and other roles.
The Raven is one of only a few theater companies licensed to perform Evita outside New York.
With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the musical debuted in London’s West End in 1978. The compelling score fuses haunting chorales with exuberant Latin, pop, and jazz influences to create an arresting theatrical portrait as complex as the woman herself.
As Che narrates, we watch the 15-year-old Evita flee a dirt-poor existence for the bright lights of Buenos Aires. Blessed with ambition and magnetism, but not long life, she becomes a starlet at 22, the president’s mistress at 24, and First Lady at 27, only to die of cancer at 33. Despite her glamorous image, Evita advocated for los descamisados, “the shirtless ones,” and championed workers’ and women’s rights, leaving a unique political legacy about which opinions still vary.
Director DeGaetano, a Sonoma County resident, fell in love with theater while growing up in New York, where he recently directed a play of his own on 43rd Street, “right around the corner from Spiderman.” His recent stage directorial credits include the musicals Cats, Pirates of Penzance, Chicago, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Later this year he’ll take an evening of short plays to London for a run.
But now, he’s looking for Evita. You can pre-register for auditions for any role by writing to him at de***********@ya***.com, or use a YouTube video (http://youtu.be/522kTuLiieU) that will help performers prepare for auditions. These will be held at the Raven Performing Arts Theater, 114 North Street, Healdsburg, on Wednesday, March 20 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 23 at 1 p.m. No appointment is necessary, but please be on time.
Auditioners should prepare a contemporary theatre song (no pop). An accompanist will be provided. You may sing from the show if you’re interested in a particular character. Dance calls will be segmented within auditions, so please bring appropriate clothing and shoes. Callbacks will be scheduled later in the week.
The Raven Players look forward to seeing you and wish you good luck with your audition.
Nancy Roberts is a Healdsburg resident.