Saturday, June 17, 2023
Shereen Pimentel in “Evita” at the American Repertory Theater. (Photo: Emilio Madrid)
A cross between an iron maiden and a fairy princess gown, the replica of Eva Peron’s famous Dior strapless gown hangs suspended over a neon-framed stage. Like a mummified three-dimensional diorama, the white bejeweled dress takes on a life of its own, its bodice both unsettling and beckoning, warning the audience: Look but do not touch.
This riveting image, with its promise of an evening of highly stylized art and mixed messages, is the perfect introduction to the spectacularly staged “Evita” now at the A.R.T.’s Loeb theater. Its production values – from exquisite costumes, choreography, scenic design and lighting to orchestration and cast talent – can’t be overpraised. The most striking evening of theater to hit Boston stages in a while is, luckily and uncharacteristically, in town for a good, long run (through July 30), so there is plenty of time to snag a ticket and enjoy.
When the scrim lifts and the real show begins, the visuals only get better. A backdrop of silhouetted men and women in gorgeous haute couture hats and heels suddenly breaks…