Che (Eric Kunze) lurks in the shadows of the victorious Eva (Natalie Toro) and Juan Peron (Robert DuSold) in the Music Circus production of EVITA, playing July 10-16 at Music Circus.

    While Eva Peron (Natalie Toro) - Evita - is the object of this Tim Rice/Andrew lloyd Webber musical, it's Che (Eric Kunze) that stands out in this production. He just gets better and better every time we see him.

    As the program says, "Che is at times a narrator, at times an observer, at times simply a device that enables the authors to place Eva in a situation where she is confronted with direct personal criticism." As such, Kunze gets a lot of stage time and has a lot of dialogue and singing - a real treat for the audience. His character is always in the middle of things, as Che does not look upon Eva the way the rest of Argentina does - trusting neither "Evita" or her supposedly kind and caring motives.

    Kunze was fabulous in this role and returns to Sacramento after performing in several other notable roles the past few years, including Joseph in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (1998), Joe Hardy in DAMN YANKEES (1997), The Prince/Wolf in INTO THE WOODS (1997) and Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (1996). Kunze has had some meaty Broadway roles, as well, performing as Marius in LES MISERABLES, Chris in MISS SAIGON and as Joe Hardy in DAMN YANKEES. Kunze has a fabulous speaking and singing voice - not to mention good looks - a fact not overlooked by the female audience members in Sacramento each time Kunze sets foot on the stage.
 

The Cast of EVITA (partial)

Eva - Natalie Toro	Che - Joe Farrell	Peron - Robert DuSold
Magaldi - Joaquin Romaguera	Peron's Mistress - Courtney Glass	Policeman - Jared Lee
Policeman Jonathan Oates	Policeman - Brian Andrew Wanee	Policeman - James Whitney
Bodyguard - Brenda O'Connor	Bodyguard - Edward Willis

 
    Natalie Toro also did a smashup job in her role as Eva. She toured nationally in the title role and has a varied resume of credits including Grizabella in CATS and Eponine in LES MISERABLES. Toro played Eva a little darker than audiences may remember the character last time EVITA came to town as part of the Broadway Series in 1993.

    Opposite Toro was Robert DuSold as Juan Peron. He was solid on stage and brought the role home and quickly became a favorite of the audience.

    Of course, EVITA has one of the most memorable songs you'll hear in musical theatre. Who doesn't know the title song - "Don't Cry for Me Argentina"? And some of the other songs are almost as memorable, although you probably wouldn't recognize them by title. There are other well done numbers, as well, such as the game of musical chairs that Peron and other military leaders play to the tune of "The Art of the Possible," as they grab power from each other and several involving Peron's guards as they step through the tunes with military dance precision.

    EVITA will be performed in the Music Circus tent on the corner of 15th and H Streets July 10-16. Shows are Monday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 p.m.

    Tickets are priced at $27 to $45, depending on date and seat location and are on sale at the Wells Fargo Pavilion box office, 1419 H Street, or at all Tickets.com outlets including The Wherehouse and select Raley's. To order tickets by phone call (916) 557-1999 or (916) 766-2277.