Press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School

Eva Perón — the former actress and second wife of Argentine President Juan Perón, who made a meteoric rise from the slums to the Presidential Mansion in the years following the Second World War — once famously said “My biggest fear of all is to be forgotten.”

The late First Lady of Argentina left behind an enduring legacy in those few short years between 1946 and her death in 1952 at the age of 33. Driven by ambition and blessed with intelligence and charisma; she was adored by her people and called a “saint” for her work as a champion of the poor. A the same time, she was also distrusted by her country’s military officers, and reviled by the aristocracy.

The woman called “Evita” became a fighter for women’s rights, and one of the most powerful women in the world — but her own greed, unbridled ambition, and fragile health made her one of history’s most tragic figures. More than thirty years after her death, the Tony award-winning musical Evita introduced a new generation to one of the most endlessly fascinating characters of the 20th century — courtesy of a sweeping, epic score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice that gave the world “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.”

As complex and as full of surprises as Eva Perón herself, Evita comes to the stage of Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School in March, as the spring musical production of the RFH Tower Players on March 21, 22, and 23.

The RFH production of Evita features Julia Mosby as Eva Perón, and Laurence Morales as her husband, Argentine President Juan Perón. Mallory McGill and Matt Hughes are featured as Everyman (known as “Che” in the Broadway production); Jennifer Andreacchi portrays The Mistress, and Magaldi will be played by Matt Hervilly. An ensemble cast comprised of over 40 students will be featured in a variety of roles including tango dancers and military personnel.

Vocal performances of such songs as “Another Suitcase in Another Hall,” and “High Flying, Adored” will be coached by Vincent Mottern, Music Director at Knollwood School in Fair Haven. The pit orchestra, comprised mainly of RFH student musicians, will be conducted by Knollwood School Orchestra Director Mel Chayette. The numerous dancing performances are being choreographed by RFH English Teacher Alexis Marinov, as well as Patricia McCarron, an RFH Tower Players alum.

Over 40 RFH students will also be working behind the scenes as well to bring the exuberant drama to life. Students responsible for costume design and stage props are under the guidance of Carole Malik, for whom the Count Basie Carole Malik Award for Creativity in Costume Design is named.

Technical Director and RFH Social Studies teacher Matthew Leddin is responsible for sound, lighting and running crew. Set construction is being provided by the RFH Stagecraft Class under the direction of Industrial Technology Teacher William Pagano. Overseeing the entire production are Director Suzanne Sweeney and Assistant Director Kasi Ann Sweeney.

RFH Spanish teacher Seth Hermann assisted the Tower Players performers in perfecting their Argentine accents, and the RFH Spanish National Honor Society and Spanish classes will present an Evita Expo on the evenings and afternoon of the performances. Held in the RFH cafeteria, the Expo will highlight art, fashion, food, and music from the time period.

Friday and Saturday evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m., and the Sunday matinee is slated for 1:00 p.m. in the RFH Auditorium. The charge for admission to Evita  is six dollars for students, and ten dollars for the general public.

Tickets may be purchased in advance either in the RFH auditorium lobby or on the RFH website. To download and print out a ticket order form for advance purchase, visit the school’s website at www.rumsonfairhaven.org and click on Evita and “Ticket Information”.

Advance tickets are also available for sale in the lobby of the RFH auditorium on Monday, March 10 and Thursday, March 13 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. and on Saturday, March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tickets will be sold in the RFH auditorium lobby for ninety minutes prior to the start of each performance as well.

For additional information on ticket discounts for groups of 25 or more, please contact Play Production Coordinator Stefania Flecca at sflecca@rumsonfairhaven.org or (732)842-1597, extension 826.