Homegrown Evita wows audiences

The Dannevirke Theatre Company's production of Evita opened in the Town Hall to wide acclaim. Pictured, Hannah Lund as Evita Peron.

Amazing, spectacular and awesome, were some of the comments after last Friday night's opening of the Dannevirke Theatre Company's production of Evita.

"It was amazing," Rowena Bowie said.

The story of Eva Peron, played by Dannevirke's Hannah Lund, is well known, from her rise from Eva Duarte to become Colonel Juan Peron's wife (Jon Fletcher) and her influence on Argentina.

But for audiences at the Scanpower-sponsored production in Dannevirke, there's the realisation our district has some extremely talented people, from those on stage, to the orchestra under the baton of Gary Mitchelmore, to the crew behind the scenes.

Dannevirke's Elijah Graham, 18, as Che in Evita. Photo Christine McKay

This is a spectacular performance with the live orchestra in tune with the production, with the sound problems of last year sorted.

Directed by Palmerston North's Scott Andrew - this is his fifth Evita - the production was a triumph the opening night audience said.

"Wonderful performances, music, dancing, along with great sets and costumes, everyone should get along to this," Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis said.

And while the audience appreciated the spectacular production, spare a thought for those working behind the scenes.

Michelle Dean had to call more than 300 cues during the two-hour production, giving new lighting desk operator Nikki Walker just seconds to switch from one call to the next.
Evita is on stage again tomorrow, Friday April 7, with two shows on Saturday, April 8, including a 2pm matinee.

Tickets are available from iTicket or Dannevirke Lumino Dentist - $40 - adults, $36; Seniors, $26, students and family tickets $100 for two adults, two children.