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A New Era for Evita as Rachel Zegler Stuns in London Debut
Over the weekend, Rachel Zegler made her official London debut in Jamie Lloyd’s radical reimagining of Evita, bringing a modern and provocative take on the life of Argentina’s most famous First Lady. Opening at the London Palladium to both acclaim and criticism, the show has quickly become one of the most talked-about theater events of the year.
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In this new production, Zegler, known for her leading role in West Side Story, delivers a fierce and icy portrayal of Eva Perón, embodying a woman both adored and feared. Critics praised her performance as a potent blend of glamour and grit.
Her rendition of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” is a centerpiece moment: not sung from the stage, but from an actual balcony outside the theater, facing a crowd gathered on the street. This inventive staging choice blurred the lines between theater and reality, evoking the mass hysteria and devotion that surrounded Evita in life.
Rachel Zegler singing ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ on the London Palladium balcony for the official opening night of ‘Evita’ in London pic.twitter.com/C4ni0vXNZZ
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) July 1, 2025
While the staging and design have been called revolutionary, some theatergoers expressed disappointment, particularly regarding Zegler’s iconic balcony moment being delivered outside, visible only via video screens from inside the auditorium. Still, the bold direction and Zegler’s magnetic presence have sparked renewed interest in the show.
Pedro Pascal, ever the supportive friend, attended the premiere alongside other big names like Keanu Reeves, Sarah Paulson, and original Evita Elaine Paige. Zegler spoke with Hits Radio UK about the unwavering support from the Chilean actor: “One thing about my daddy Pedro, he goes to bat for me in a way that I love so dearly. But he was standing after every number.” She then added: “During Rainbow High he was clapping in the middle of the song. I was like, ‘Daaaad!’ But he’s the best.”
@hitsradiouk We all need a daddy Pedro 🥰 #rachelzegler #pedropascal #evita @EVITA ♬ original sound – Hits Radio UK
Evitas Throughout History
The figure of Eva Perón has been portrayed by a long list of legendary actresses, both on stage and in film. Zegler now joins a lineage that has left a deep mark on musical theater history:
Elaine Paige (1978): She was the first actress to play Eva in the original West End production. Directed by Harold Prince, the show became an instant hit. Paige won the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical and set the standard for future Evitas with her powerful vocal and dramatic presence.
Patti LuPone (1979): The Broadway star was the first Eva in New York. Her performance was fierce, intense, and deeply emotional, earning her a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award. Her portrayal is considered one of the most iconic in musical theater history.
Madonna (1996): In Alan Parker’s film adaptation, Madonna transformed her career with a restrained and elegant performance. She won a Golden Globe for the role, and the film won an Oscar for the original song “You Must Love Me.” Her image as Eva remains one of the most recognizable to the general public.
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Elena Roger (2006): The Argentine actress brought undeniable authenticity to the role, both in the West End and on Broadway. Her accent, stage presence, and energy resonated especially with audiences familiar with the story of Eva Perón from a closer perspective. She was nominated for the Olivier Award for her performance.
Caroline Bowman (2013): She led the national tour in the U.S. based on the 2012 Broadway production. Her performance was praised for its vocal intensity and her ability to show both the ambition and vulnerability of the character.
Madalena Alberto (2013–2014): She headed a tour through the United Kingdom and then performed in the West End. Her version was intense, emotional, and very theatrical. She was recognized for her vocal strength and her passionate portrayal of Eva’s rise and fall.
Emma Hatton (2017): She participated in the United Kingdom tour and had a brief run at the Phoenix Theatre. Her approach was modern, standing out for her emotional connection with the audience and her solid vocal performance.
Maia Reficco and Solea Pfeiffer (2019): This version at the New York City Center split the role between two actresses to showcase different stages of Eva’s life. It was an innovative approach that allowed viewers to see the character’s emotional and political evolution from a dual perspective.
Shereen Pimentel (2023): In the production at the American Repertory Theater, her portrayal of Eva was young, fresh, and energetic. Directed by Sammi Cannold, the staging explored new ways of telling the story without losing the original’s dramatic essence.
Auli’i Cravalho (2023): She starred in a concert version in the West End that combined grand orchestration with powerful vocals. Her performance brought a youthful sensitivity and strong vocal presence to the character.
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With Rachel Zegler, the role of Eva Perón finds a new voice: young, fierce, modern, and profoundly Latina. Her performance has revitalized the classic Lloyd Webber and Rice musical, adapting it to the social and aesthetic concerns of a new generation. Evita’s legacy, both as a political figure and theatrical icon, remains alive, and with Zegler leading the way, it continues to shine at the heart of the West End.
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