Evita Ushers in 2008 at the Garde in Legendary Style

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2007
Media Contact:
Amy Moum, 860-444-4406;
amy@gardearts.org

(New London, CT) The Citizens Bank Broadway Series returns for 2008 with EVITA, the compelling story of Eva “Evita” Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, from composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice. A dynamic, larger-than-life persona, Evita captivated a nation by championing the working class. The epic story of her rise and fall will come to the Garde Arts Center on January 11 & 12, 2008, Friday at 8:00pm and Saturday at 3:00 and 8:00 pm.

Dec 13, 2007 4:15 PM - Winner of seven Tony Awards, EVITA is a story of glamour, power and greed. This exuberant production creates a gripping theatrical experience and features Webber's compelling Latin, pop and jazz influenced score. One of the most popular collaborations between Webber and Rice, this legendary musical began its life as a concept album in 1976 and instantly became a global phenomenon. It opened at the Broadway Theatre on September 25, 1979, setting records for the largest box office advance and sweeping all theatre awards in 1979, winning Tonys for Best Musical, Score, Book and Director. It closed on June 25, 1983 after four years and 1,568 performances.

EVITA became the first Broadway show to be reproduced successfully in every major city in the world. It also became the first musical since the Rodgers & Hammerstein era to burst on to the world’s pop music charts. Four of the show’s songs, including the break-out hit “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina”, were recorded globally. The Broadway cast album won a Grammy Award in 1981.

Alan Parker’s critically acclaimed 1996 film version introduced a new generation to EVITA. The film, which starred Madonna and Antonio Banderas, received five Oscar nominations, winning for Best Song, and won three Golden Globe Awards, including Best Picture.

Additional Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice collaborations include Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cats, Starlight Express, The Phantom of the Opera, and Sunset Boulevard.

Tickets for EVITA ($39-$60) are now on sale to the general public at the Garde Box Office, 325 State Street; by phone at (860) 444-7373; and online at www.gardearts.org.

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CALENDAR LISTING

What: EVITA
Winner of seven Tony Awards, EVITA brings to life the dynamic, larger-than-life persona of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator, Juan Peron. Blessed with charisma, Eva Peron captivated a nation by championing the working class. This exuberant production creates a gripping theatrical experience and features Andrew Lloyd Webber's compelling Latin, pop and jazz influenced score. One of the most popular collaborations between Webber and Tim Rice, this legendary musical features the memorable song “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina.” Series sponsored by Citizens Bank.

When: Friday, January 11, 2008 | 8:00 pm
Saturday, January 12, 2008 | 3:00 and 8:00 pm

Ticket Prices: Orchestra $52, Loge $60, Balcony $39

Box Office: (860) 444-7373

Online Ticketing: http://www.gardearts.org/

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MEDIA INFO

For high resolution photos and interviews, please contact Amy Moum, amy@gardearts.org

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Now in its eighty-first season, the Garde Arts Center is southeastern Connecticut’s non-profit center for the performing arts. The Garde owns and operates the historic Garde Theatre where it presents musicals, opera, orchestras, contemporary music, dance, and family events. The Garde produces the annual New London Film Festival, and provides after-school programs and matinee performances to more than 10,000 young people. Under the leadership of Steve Sigel, Executive Director, since 1988, the Garde has become a major catalyst for the cultural and economic revitalization of New London.

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