One of the most influential musicals of recent times, featuring one of the most iconic songs ever, returns to the area this month when The Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells plays host to Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sensational musical, Evita.
Taking on the role of Eva Peron, and getting to wear “that dress”, is Portuguese actress, Madalena Alberto. Following on from her lead roles in Les Miserables, Fame, Jeckyll and Hyde and Piaf, she is now starring opposite Marti Pellow in the UK tour of Evita and, in between shows, I was able to ask her a few questions – so I started with an obvious one…
What’s it like to step out on stage in that amazing dress?
Well, it’s getting to feel pretty normal now, as I do it eight times a week, but I guess the first time I did it I was very aware of the great responsibility it brings. This role is so coveted, and the show is so well loved, that there is a huge responsibility to make it work, and work well. As well as that, the dress is very beautiful and sparkly so I feel like a princess.
I think it must be one of the most famous costumes in musical theatre.
I think so too, yes. It’s a replica of a Christian Dior dress that she wore to an event and, under the lighting, it really causes a huge visual impact and the audience go very quiet in anticipation of what is to come.
Is it very difficult to sing a song like Don’t Cry For Me Argentina when everyone knows it so well?
It only becomes difficult if I think about it, so I try not to think about it a lot. You see, for me, the whole score is like one big scene and so what we try to do with Don’t Cry For Me is that, instead of me stepping out and thinking “Oh my gosh, this is a big song” , I just think of it as a big speech.
It’s the first really big speech that she gives to a massive crowd as the First Lady of Argentina as she has only just married Peron. Her being his wife was a great insult to all the military people around her because, at that time, actresses like her were mostly just regarded as prostitutes but, at the same time, it was a wonderful fairytale story for the people.
And, of course, the people all believed her and loved her.
They did and, you know what, I think she believed herself too. I think there came a point where she started to believe her own caricature, she started to believe in her own sanctity and that her part in the world was to help people and, in all fairness, she did help a lot of them. That’s why even now, many decades after she passed away, she is still very much loved in that country.
I think that her need for that love, and her vulnerability, comes through so well in her song, You Must Love Me.
Very much so, yes. It’s my favourite part of the show actually for two reasons. Firstly because, as an actress, it not very often that you get given a part where you can experience, and try and explore, such deep emotions of illness, of despair, of wanting to be loved and of wondering what happens next.
And secondly because it’s the point that the audience, regardless of what they think of her, or even of me as an actress, they all come together and they feel sorry for her in terms of looking at someone who is about to die, and realising, of course, that this is going to happen to everyone, and it’s a very beautiful part of the show.
And, through all of that, you have Marti Pellow running around you!
Oh yes! Marti is wonderful, both onstage and offstage. Unfortunately we don’t have that much connection onstage, well, he does with me because he is constantly watching me but I have to try and ignore him for most of the show and pretend that he’s not there, but, even so, he is incredibly supportive and generous onstage.
Offstage he is a wonderful company member too. We have this beautiful relationship with each other because, before I started working with him, I didn’t really realise exactly how famous he is so there are so many stories that he tells me and I very much cherish that.
Evita can be seen at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells from Monday June 30th until Saturday July 5th with performances every evening at 7.30pm and matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets can be purchased from the theatre box office on 01892 530613 or online at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk.