Show Synopsis:
Eva blackmails a famous singer into taking her to Buenos Aires, where she becomes a successful actress, model and socialite. She tears Colonel Juan Domingo Perón away from his mistress by insisting that she could help him gain the political power and prestige that he wants, and they each begin to plan for a new Argetina in their separate ways. Perón is elected President, Eva tours Europe and increases her charity work to popularize herself and her husband. Eva becomes ill while she begins to debate the true reasons for her good actions, and Perón's generals try to force her out of politics. Eva wants to run for vice president, but gives into her cancer and says goodbye to Argentina.
Character:
Che, a young Argentinian man who tells the story of Evita Peron and watches her rise and fall with knowledge beyond his years.
Song Context:
Evita and Peron dance at Peron's inaugural ball and Che wonders what she has actually gained from her rise to fame.
Fun Facts:
1) This musical is based on the life of Eva Perón, the wife of Juan Perón, President of Argentina.
2) The character of Che was not originally meant to be based on Che Guevara, and is often not portrayed that way, but Harold Prince later urged Mandy Patinkin and other actors to use Guevara as inspiration.
3) Mandy Patinkin originated the role of Che on Broadway and was honored with a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and a nomination for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical.
"High flying, adored,
So young, the instant queen.
A rich beautiful thing, of all the talents,
A cross between a fantasy of the bedroom and a saint.
You were just a backstreet girl,
Hustling and fighting, scratching and biting.
High flying, adored.
Did you believe in your wildest moments
All this would be yours?
That you'd become the lady of them all?
Were there stars in your eyes
When you crawled in at night
From the bars, from the sidewalks,
From the gutter theatrical?
Don't look down, it's a long, long way to fall.
High flying, adored.
What happens now, where do you go from here?
For someone on top of the world,
The view is not exactly clear.
A shame you did it all at twenty-six.
There are no mysteries now.
Nothing can thrill you, no one fulfill you.
High flying, adored.
I hope you come to terms with boredom.
So famous so easily, so soon,
It's not the wisest thing to be.
You won't care if they love you.
It's been done before.
You'll despair if they hate you.
You'll be drained of all energy.
All the young who've made it would agree."