Customer Reviews

Evita: An Opera Based On The Life Story Of Eva Peron 1919-1952 (1976 Studio Cast)

5 star:		(3)
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3 star:		(1)
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Che is sung here by CT Wilkinson, but it's our man Colm. This is the only other recording of the rockin' "The Lady's Got Potential" before the movie came out - later productions of the show cut that neat song! Julie Covington here has trouble hitting the high notes. Patti Lupone (OBC) is still the definitive Eva, tho Elaine Paige (OLC) is not far behind. It's interesting to compare this recording with later ones, to hear the changes in lyrics, mostly.

In my opinion Evita is the best musical ever and this recording is by far the best. Colm's Che is wonderful and much better than Mandy's wimpy performance. Mandy is woderful but his voice just isn't right as Che. I feel that Julie Covington is the only Evita. She puts so much passion into the role.She sounds so much better that Patti LuPone who screams her was through the cd. An added bonus in the song "the lady's got pontential" which is a great upbeat number. It is much better than the Art of the Possible (broadway version) which could put a person to sleep. It's the best.

Ah, the "White Evita" - this is not the theatrical ALW of late. This is a scathing character study of one of the most fascinating women of the 20th century. In this concept album, Rice and Webber pull no punches in bringing us a story of dictatorship and demagoguery. Later versions, especially the movie, have been toned down considerably. Material has also been cut out, which has stripped the story of interest and complexity.

This Eva Peron is bold and ambitious; she doesn't apologize or ask for our sympathy. Julie Covington plays her with great style. Like Eva herself, Covington's voice is beautiful, clear and cold as a mountain stream. As her counterpart (Che), Colm (C.T.) Wilkinson brings a much greater depth (his signature) to the role than other portrayals, and also great range from rock to the soaring rendition of "High Flying, Adored". "Oh What a Circus" and "The Lady's Got Potential" are such fun! The interposition of Covington's sweet and insincere "Oh, but it's sad when a love affair dies" with Wilkinson's gruff and sarcastic "For God's sake, get out!" in "Goodnight and Thank You" is brilliant.

This, not-as-spicy-as-the-new-version-Evita, recording is a classic. It doesn't have the modern sound that the remake with Madonna has, but it is what was originally intended by Andrew Lloyd Webber. If you have seen the play, you will love this version. Patti Lupone does a great job, as does Mandy Patinkin. No dialog to bog down with, just pure listening enjoyment. --Like most though, best if you've seen the play.