COD Stages “Evita” at McCallum Theatre this Weekend
College of the Desert is back on the big stage Friday at 8 p.m., when the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Evita opens at the McCallum Theatre.
The COD Performing Arts Production continues the tradition of Broadway musicals brought to life by the college that goes back two decades. After a brief hiatus, COD is mounting its first production since 2006’s Guys and Dolls.
Evita is co-directed by Darlene Romano, who last produced a COD production at the McCallum in 2001 (Man of La Mancha), and Shea New, who was the initial force behind the Dance Under the Stars Choreography Festival, now in its 12th year.
Tickets are on sale now at the McCallum at low, low prices: $25, $20 and $15. Call the box office (340-ARTS) or go online to mccallumtheatre.com.
Dr. Romano said full dress rehearsals are scheduled Thursday and Friday afternoon, prior to the Friday night opening. Her talented cast will take the stage this weekend for four performances through Sunday. A second 8 p.m. show is scheduled Saturday. There are two shows on Sunday, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
COD musicals are a combination of a college production and community theater, since any resident with acting, singing and dancing skills is welcome to audition for a part; they must enroll in at least one class if they are selected. Romano said the cast this year is strong. “The level of excitement is off the charts,” she said. “Students who have never performed in the McCallum can’t wait to get on that stage. Those who have had the privilege in the past are champing at the bit to return, including our faculty directors and our production team.”
New, no stranger to the McCallum stage due to her years of guiding the Dance Under the Stars competition, said Evita is “about the music and the staging. It is a unique theatrical experience that will be sensational. Just to hear the professional orchestra will be worth the price. Then add a story that resonates today with its politics and human passions and faculties, and you get a blockbuster that is timeless, universal and poignant.”
Romano added, “The beauty of live theater is that every production is unique and each performance carries its own level of excitement based on the interactions of the performers and the reactions of the audience. Our cast is large and diverse, 45 performers ranging in age from 8 to 70 years old. Our orchestra of 22 musicians is fabulous. We are particularly thrilled that Music Theatre International has granted College of the Desert special permission to insert “You Must Love Me,” the Academy Award-winning song written specifically for the 1996 film version starring Madonna.”
About the Cast
Five leading roles were filled for Evita.
Kaley Smith (Eva Peron) is a music major at COD and active as vice president of VPAC (Vocal Performance and Appreciation Club). Her role demands singing, acting and dancing skills. COD theater-goers have seen her in a number of student performances, most recently in Little Women. “ Kaley is luminous as Eva,” said New. “She has been featured in many other shows, but I think this will be a defining moment for her. I think she has a future in the industry and this could be the stepping stone for her.”
Cliff Plummer (Che) is also a music major, and is president of VPAC. He is a regular performer in COD’s Opera Workshop and directed Little Women. “Cliff is amazing as Che,” New said. “ He has the vocal range to handle this difficult role. He also brings professional experience to the role due to his theater background. “
Larry New (Juan Peron), married to choreographer/co-director Shea New, has had a long and distinguished career as a recording artist and performer that includes two seasons with the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. “Larry is sensational as Juan Peron,” says New, who admits that she is biased. “He has been a COD student for many years, taking dance and theater classes to keep up his skills, so it is fun to see him perform in a production again.” Larry won a Desert Theatre League Award for his role in Faust.
Mike Hadley (Magaldi), a COD employee in Information Systems, is a versatile performer and veteran of Coachella Valley community theater. He’s been on the McCallum stage before, notably in Guys and Dolls. Hadley won raves for his portrayal of Brother George in the satirical Sordid Lives that had a long run in Palm Springs last year.
Suzi Jacobs (Peron’s Mistress), is a first semester music student at COD with an incredible voice and this show marks her McCallum debut.