Watch: Rachel Zegler as Eva Perón singing 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina'
"Evita" is the latest Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to get the Jamie Lloyd treatment in a limited engagement at London's Palladium (booking until September 6) that stars Rachel Zegler as Eva Perón.
And the marketing blitz is on for the production that started previews this week with IG posts that features quotes from some who attended the first preview. "It was monumental," says @peter.rico. "Absolutely sensational," writes @ellieeokane. "The performances are ON POINT and the energy of the show is JUST INSANE," adds @merboydino. "COMPLETELY UNDONE by @rachelzegler's PERFECTLY EXECUTED EVA. A performance for the ages. I NEVER FELT MORE ALIVE," is the opinion of @cynnchann. And "Truly a MARVEL. I will be HYPERFIXATED on this for a while," writes @audreynicoleyoung.
Along with these enthusiastic opinions, there is a humorous short IG clip of the production leads, Zegler, Diego Andres Rodriguez (who plays Che), and James Olivas, who plays Juan Perón, with first-night jitters.
@dylantpe Add some blue I guess? And yes I will be there for the inevitable Broadway transfer #evita #rachelzegler #musical #jamielloyd #diegorodriguez #westend #westendtheatre #broadwaymusicals #sunsetblvd ♬ original sound - Dylan
Also catching the eye of "Evita"-philes is a clip of hottie Rodriguez taking a bow shirtless and covered in paint or blood with the on-screen caption: "So if I crop this footage right it's like I saw EVITA," posted by @dylantpe. There is some question as to whether or not this footage is from Jamie Lloyd's "Evita" or from "Sunset Blvd.", where Rodriguez played Artie and understudied the role of Joe Gillis (played by Tom Francis). From the comments, in both he takes a curtain call shirtless and covered in either blood ("Sunset") or paint ("Evita"); and due to their similarities, there is a bit of confusion. The hint that it may be "Sunset" is the comment and that Rodriguez appears covered in a red substance. It was taken from a performance where he covered Francis.
The casting of newbie Rodriguez shows Lloyd's commitment to bringing fresh faces in his productions. Rodriguez graduated from the University of Michigan in 2024. The featured role of Artie and understudying Joe Gillis in "Sunset Blvd." marked his Broadway debut. His co-starring role in "Evita" marks his West End debut.
He is so green that in one IG, Zegler joked about his facial hair, saying "I feel like Diego really became a man here."
Watch Rachel Zegler sing "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" from a balcony at London's Palladium Theatre. (Source: Instagram)
But the footage that is getting the most attention features blonde Zegler dressed in a stunning strapless white gown accented with a diamond necklace and earrings singing "Don't Cry for Me Argentina."
The moment was recreated on a balcony of the Palladium. In another IG video featuring Lloyd and Zegler, the director says "I don't think anyone's heard this sung like this. I mean, you sing it impeccably." It's incredible. It's a major achievement. . . Acting-wise and vocally. And you're an icon as well, to many." To which Zegler replies, "What a privilege, I mean, truly, to get to portray two really powerful Latinas in musical theatre with Maria in "West Side Story" and now Eva Perón. It's like the stuff of dreams, really."
Watch a video diary of rehearsals from the Jamie Lloyd revival of "Evita," currently at London's Palladium Theatre starring Rachel Zegler and Diego Andres Rodriguez. (Source: Instagram)
"Evita" is director Jamie Lloyd's second take on an Andrew Lloyd Webber classic. His radically rethought "Sunset Blvd." recently won a Tony Award for Best Revival along with one for Nicole Scherzinger for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical. It continues its New York run through July 20th with no plans for an extension. He also recently said he would like to direct "Jesus Christ Superstar," but he told the press backstage at the Tony Awards: "There was an amazing production in London not long ago, which toured the U.S. as well, so I don't think that'll happen anytime soon, but maybe one day."