I thought EVITA was one of the best musicals I have seen in Rochester in a long time. The talent coming from the actors and directors was awe-inspiring. I am an avid theatre goer and I can't seem to get this performance out of my head either. The leads were fantastic but what struck me most was the ensemble. I have never seen such a talented group of performers. The choreography really told the story and was broadway level stuff. Amazing! I can't say enough about this show! Thank you WTG for doing a good show that is not the same old stuff....we want more!!!

Your reviewer was right on the mark with his thoughts about WTG's production of EVITA - until he got to the musicians. We were there, as he was, for opening night and found the orchestra to be not only in fine tune but in top form. We offer that ensemble and its director hearty congratulations on a job well done.

Thanks for your comments. The TANYS adjudicator told me that it was one of the best orchestras he had heard and thought we were all union musicians.

And what music school are you a graduate of, Mr Rezsnyak, Hoboken Community College? Get your ears checked.

I know the music from Evita, and this orchestra was on point. Not every minute of every musical is written to be in perfect harmony. If a person is going to be allowed to write a review, he should do his homework first. If the writer had listened to the recording, he would have known that the orchestra was fabulous, and sounded just likethe recording.

Normally I allow the readers to have the final say in the comments. However, I feel a need to jump in here and clarify a few things. First, I'm extremely familiar with the score to "Evita." I've owned the soundtrack for more than 10 years and could have probably mimed along to 90 percent of the lyrics in the show. Second, I do not have a music degree, but I have a strong musical background, including years of experience playing in concert bands, choruses, jazz bands, and, yes, even pit orchestras. I'm confident that I know what I'm talking about when I write about music, and I would never call out an orchestra if I didn't think it specifically warranted mention. The orchestra's performance on opening night did. I sat literally within 15 feet of the pit and heard every note, and I could mention specific sections of the orchestra -- I didn't in an effort to avoid further embarrassment -- that were so off-pitch at points that I literally physically cringed.
I understand that the pit orchestra that performed for WTG's "Evita" is a volunteer one, and I appreciate that the members did their best with a very demanding score. And many of the musicians did a fantastic job. But my job as a critic is to review the production of a show, both good and bad elements. In my opinion, certain sections of that pit did not live up to the quality that was represented by the vast majority of the production. I apologize if that's difficult for people to read, but believe me when I say I wouldn't have brought it up if I didn't think it was important to the overall success of the show.

This is my final comment on your review. You obviously are not familiar with the orchestration. The orchestra performed exactly to my expectations. You must have been unaware of the occasions when the orchestra in mid stream adapted to the whatever variation was happening on stage. Please don't try to support your negative comments with your musical 'experience'. Additionally, there's no us vs them for this OPERA, we're all in it together. I'm proud of the entire production!

I saw the closing night preformance of EVITA and thought I was at the Auditorium Theater! Koodoes to the cast, crew and production team. Best preformance I've seen in years.

Eric's orchestra comments were right on point. Overall the pit did a great job with a challenging book, but there were a few jarring incidents of "intonation malfunction" severe enough that they immediately took this audience member's attention away from what was happening onstage.

I've read with interest the thread concerning WTG's "Evita". I understand that this a community theatre group, so allowances must be made for the quality of certain aspects of the performance. I'm quite sure that Mr. Rezsnyak is also very much aware of this, which is probably why his review was so tempered. Despite this I must take exception to comments that compare this production favorably to professional theatre.

First, let me say that I am not a professional actor or musician. I am simply someone who has a love of theatre and who has seen hundreds of productions from junior high to Broadway. I have had many pleasant surprises and a few dissapointments. I have even seen amatuer productions that I have prefered over their professional counterpart. This is not one of them.

The onstage talent on this show was quite impressive for theatre at this level. J. Simmons was perfect as Juan Peron. Reynaldo DeGuzman proved himself once again to be a formidable up-and-comer. My only problem with his character was the costuming. Has anyone ever seen a picture of Che wearing anything but combat fatigues? If this was an artistic choice, it's an inexplicable one. The chorus and ensemble were also very good. The Vocal director deserves cudos for this one. His work combined with the excellent sound design made every word discernable.

The weakest lead member of the cast, regrettably, was Laura Marron as Evita. She is a solid performer in other roles, but she is not Evita. This is particularly vexing as at least two and possibly three or four of the female cast members appeared to have both the acting/singing chops as well as the physicality to play the roll.

The orchestra was far from professional quality on the night we saw the show. For someone of Mr. Bowk's experience to say that it was is unfathomable. I've heard the Marine Corps Band. Would you say that this orchestra was as good as that band, Mr Bowks?

The choreography was generally good, but a little too ambitious for this cast. Sometimes simple and tight is better.

The set and lighting was as expected. That is to say: typical community theatre quality. A well exicuted static set is usually a better better than a lot of gimmicky and poorly executed roll-ons. I was very distracted during the revolving door scene because I was afraid someone was going to get hurt.

To summarize, this is a typical Rochester area production that simply doesn't meet the potential of the on-stage talent. We have many wonderful actors, but very few directors, artistic, or technical people to assemble productions to display that talent. Those people can start being part of the solution by being a little more honest and objective about their work.

I certainly do not know what play D. Leonard saw, but I traveled from Philadelphia to specifically see the WTG production of "Evita." I was entirely entertained during the final performance last weekend and want to weigh in with an "outsider's" viewpoint. First, "Evita" is in the top 2 of my favorite musicals largely because it is one of those plays that is difficult to do, period. It demands exquisite voices from all the leads as well as the chorus. Andrew Lloyd Weber writes music that requires such intricate changes, counterpoint, and incredible range, that few playing in it can pull it off. I appreciate ANY group even attempting to perform it. I have seen "Evita" performed many times, including the professional national touring company and many amateur productions. Few are able to do the script justice. I was blown away by the WONDERFUL voices I heard on Saturday night in Rochester. I was not expecting such a great representation of the Weber music, Rice lyrics, and Harold Prince-like stage production. WTG should be put up on a pedestal for this production and I hope they are represented during theatrical award time. As I personally told Ms. Marron on Saturday night, she pulled it off incredibly, better then several of the professional performances I have seen. J. Simmons was the consummate Juan Peron and lived up to the vocal demands of that role-another difficult score for voice. Reynaldo DeGuzman was a wonderful Che-narrator. He enuciated the vocals such that we could all really understand the key information he was relaying. And, he hit all the notes-high and low, not an easy thing to do with the associated difficult lyrics. I say Che-narrator because I have seen "Evita" done with and without the army fatigues. I personally prefer the Che Gueverra characterization for the play, but certainly was not disappointed in Mr. DeGuzman's version. Mr. Bowks had his pit performing at their maximum and it was demonstrated in the emotion we in the audience felt during the play action. I know that Mr. Bowks has wanted to conduct "Evita" for some time being one of his favorite musical scores and I was happy to have been there to see him enjoy the fulfillment of his dream. Great job, Ron and pit! Finally, I want to acknowledge the actress who performed my favorite song from the play. Shanthi Kelley played Peron's girlfriend and sang "Another Suitcase In Another Hall" and exceeded my expectations. I know when I get weepy hearing that song that it is done well and that is how I felt hearing such a pretty song done with such a pretty voice. Chorus-outstanding! Your exquisite voices added more to the production then you will ever know. Most of you could have played one of the leads your voices were that good, but thank you for filling a "lesser" role-but in this play the chorus certainly is not lesser. I am not a professional, but I am a learned person who knows what is good and what is not. This was a top-flight production without a doubt. You all deserved the standing "O" you received. And thank you for making my long drive from Philadelphia well worth it.

I have to say that I am shocked by D. Leonard's comments as well. I dare him to find a community theatre group anywhere that does such a professional job on such a difficult musical. Can you really say that it was sub-par based on the difficulty of the show and the fact that these are volunteers and not paid equity actors? I think you may want to re-think your comments.

I have been a critic of shows in the Chicago area for years and just recently moved to Rochester. I was overwhelmed with the talent and charisma this cast provided to the audience. I decided to attend the show because I am a fan of "Evita". Having only been in Rochester a few months, I was not familiar with anyone in the performance. Bravo to the cast, crew, and directors. You did a phenomenal job! I thought the leads were some of the best I have seen and the chorus did not disappoint. I thought the dancing was beautiful and tight. They were ambitious steps for a community theatre group to do and the dancers nailed it. I would like to see more of Jillian Miller's choreography in the future. I think she brings a freshness to the stage that tends to get lost in the normal jazz squares and step touches of other choreographers.

Ron Bowks' orchestra did a nice job with a hard score. I didn't feel like I was taken away from the show by squeaky instruments but I would have liked to have seen a larger orchestra.

On a final note, don't be fooled that if an actor in the chorus sings a solo well that they can play a part like "Evita". This is no Oklahoma Laurey part that any girl (who is not tone deaf) can sing. This part cannot be sung by someone with just "a good voice". As you said, you are not a professional actor or musician so don't make those assumptions.

Congatulations WTG. You brought community theatre to the next level. You set the standard for community theatre and hopefully we will see other groups rise to the occasion.

These comment areas (or blogs or whatever they're called) always somewhat amusing to me. I find it interesting to read people's comments. I especially enjoy reading the comments whose authors hide behind fictitious names. For this particular set of comments, I would like to add my own.

If you would like to offer your opinion and post comments about a show , shouldn't you consider people's feelings? Where are your manners? Saying what you feel in the car on the way home is much different than posting your opinions for other people to read. If you feel that you could have done something better, why didn't you audition? Better yet, why don't you post a video of yourself doing it better?

You really should think twice about publicly criticizing a wonderfully executed production in which people have poured their hearts. These people spend months and months (in addition to their jobs/ schooling/ etc) rehearsing out of love for the arts. Then, people like you take the time to log on here and potentially hurt their feelings. It is really sad, and you are really pathetic. Free speech or not, use your head before you run your mouth.

As a member of the cast of Evita, I appreciate the positive comments made prior to this post. With all due respect to Eddy, once people plunk down their admission, they've earned the right to be critics. So long as they don't throw rotten vegetables, they're entitled to an opinion that may or may not be fully informed. The fact that we spend three nights a week for several months rehearsing shouldnt matter one way or another. If the end result of that is amateur or pathetic, then the cast has wasted everyone's time including their own.
I appreciate the fact that Eric reviews community theater at all, something sorely lacking before him. Its not for me to gainsay either Eric or Ron about the orchestra's ability...there were times, frankly, when..due to the staging, it was difficult for us to hear our brethren in the pit...but after working with Ron (and his considerable ability) on several shows, its hard not to give him the benefit of the doubt.
One last thought: we had a number of people in the chorus who have been leads in other shows. Several of our women could have played Evita and probably very well. But I would disagree with one of the previous postersabout Laura Marron not having the acting/singing or physicality for the show. That latter seems to be a code for "was she a little too full figured for the role?" Perhaps I am wrong. I'm not wrong in thinking that Laura became Evita for me. On opening night when her voice was half what it could be, she gave a gutsy performance that was inspiring from any seat in the house, much less from where I was opposite her on the stage. By the second weekend when she could unleash that powerful instrument to its full extent, it was a joy just to sit back and take in the sound. In my opinion.

I found no problems with the Orchestra. I was actually quite impressed by them.

Re: The rest of the show

The ensemble was phenomenal- rivaled by few I've seen in amateur theater.

The Mistress was the best of the bunch, with Che a distant second. The rest of the leads were about 85% for me....

Not a big fan of the costumes or lights. Yes, Evita was a fuller woman than one might expect, but the choice of costumes, staging, and lighting did not aim to minimize that- in fact, I think the costumes, staging and lighting HILIGHTED that. Not sure if that was intentional, but very noticable.

Overall, the cast and production team should be very proud of this show- It did it's job, and it did it well, but there's always room for improvement. Believe me- if it was a bad show, nobody would be arguing...

I was also a castmember in this production with Cannonfodder and must first off say thank you to Eric for an honest review. Few publications in this area actually look at all aspects of a production and highlight what was good and bad. Instead they give glorified summaries of the plot. With that being said, I have to agree with every line in Eric's review. At times, the pit BLEW ME AWAY. At other times, it left a lot to be desired. And I'm fully aware that I'm not the only cast member to feel that way. It's community theatre though. Expectations should be low when you're dealing with volunteers. You work with what you're given and make the best of it. As for Ms. Marron, being on that stage with her was a master class in grace, poise, professionalism and "star quality". Even when ill, she blew the back doors off the theatre and I'd be surprised to find any other actress in the Rochester area to rival her in the role.

I'm going to be short and say that I liked Evita. I saw it opening night and really enjoyed the entire show as a whole. It was one of the better productions I have seen in the Rochester area (including the Wild Party which was also very good but had a few kinks it needed to work out casting wise...)

I loved the choreography and was surprised that they were able to get so many talanted dancers onto one stage. I have not seen that in awhile and my hat goes off to the genius behind all those high energy numbers.

I didn't like the set to much. I felt that if they were going to have things role on and role off there should have been more. I have performed on that stage before and I know there was limited back stage room but that being said they should have took that into account. It's not a black box, so you shouldn't stage the set as one...but it did it's job in being a acceptable back drop for the story so I cannot find any fault in that. I didn't like it, but it did what it had to do.

The staging of some of the cast was something else that bothered me. The huge gaps of space between the different characters bothered me because the human connection was lacking when it was really important. Take Eva's "dying" scene. For most of the scene Peron was on the other side of the stage leaving Eva all by her lonesome. I understand her ambition kept away from everyone else but towards the end, when she is realising her weakness all she has is her husband and I felt they should have been closer to each other. Not all lovey dovey, that wouldn't be Evita at all, but isolating her like that just made her death a little too tragic. This wasn't the only instance but it just stood out to me the most.

The pit for being a volunteer pit was fabulous. There were little bits like the dance break in "Buenos Aires" where things got a little jumbled but it did not distract me from the show as a whole. I felt that they did a beautiful job all in all, one of the better pits I have heard.

I know Laura personally and have had the privilege of being on stage with her and I know that beside Patti herself the role of Evita was made for her. She was unlucky, being sick at the time of the performance, but she still sang better then most women I know in the Rochester Theater seen and no one, absolutely no one could have done that role better (except for Patti of course :-P)

I also loved Mr. Simmons. I have seen him perform before though and his voice is not that dark. His voice was obviously sitting his throat and it though it was on pitch and you could tell he was a marvelous singer his voice lost the rich honey like quality his voice is known for. I know Peron is supposed to have a dark color about him but what Simmons did was almost too much, his "normal" voice would have worked just as fine, if not better.

Reynaldo was fabulous, I didn't quite get the character he was going for when it comes to Che but it was great all the same. He more then held his own in a cast full of Rochester greats. His voice was flawless and the chemistry between him and Laura was evident.

I really did like the show, and am quite jealous I was not apart of it. there were things that bugged me but they did not, in my opinion, take away from the shows over all appeal. Another success for WTG.

I didn't see this production, but the photo published with the review makes me wonder why the role of Evita was cast with a woman who was overweight. None of the professional productions made this mistake and photos of the real Maria Eva Duarte de Peron show that while she was almost a bit plump in her early actress days, by the time she hit the headlines as Peron's girl, she was a fashion icon with a figure to die for. And the comment made by the reviewer that she needed to have some songs brought down because she couldn't hit the high notes: I know for a fact that Rochester has superb singer actresses by the wagonload who could have sung that role and been ideal in appearance for it. I've done the role myself in the past and since heard so many terrific actresses here, so I would wonder about such casting. As for the rest, just getting a good Che and a good orchestra is about the most difficult work any director could undertake, so kudos to WTG on those counts.

This message is for "Long-Theatre Performer":

Since I went to the performance and read the review carefully, I felt the need to clear some things up for you:

1. Webster Theatre Guild is not a "professional production". There were only amateurs in the show and they really shined. When it is all the way out in Webster, you don't get the pick of all the talent in Rochester like other groups.

2. The woman playing Eva was superb. She could belt all the high notes very easily. If you notice in the review he mentions that she had to take the notes down because she was sick. She got laryngitis the first performance and actually pushed through all of those songs. That was the ONLY reason she sang some things down the octave. She was actually musically smart and confident enough to take some notes down. By the second weekend, she was phenominal.

3, The fact that she was full figured had nothing to do with her amazing performance. Would you rather have a skinny girl who couldn't sing or a full-figured one that could sing and act the crap out of the show?

If you didn't see a show someone is reviewing, try not to make assumptions.

Commenting on "Theatre life": Actually I saw this show and agree with LTP: Good Che, good pit band, good ensemble, but yes, chunky Evita, which really took away from the show for me and my family. And yes, vocal problems, which was unfortunate, but that's why it's safer to have an understudy or double-cast your leads so you always have a backup for at least your main roles. And don't knock Webster: there's a lot of great professional-level stage talent out here -- problem is, many of them have work schedules that don't allow them to audition for WTG because they can't free up their evenings. I know, because I'm one of them. Would LOVE to work with WTG! Sorry this comment is so much later than everyone else's, but I only just saw this thread online today.

Chunky Evita, did you say ("Just adding my 2 cents' worth"). This took "away" from the performance for you and your family? Although typing, I'm speechless. If you are sick and dying, I hope you are saddled with a chunky female doctor and chunky nurse who save your life ... perhaps it will take a life-altering experience to shame you into realizing that larger women are beautiful, too ... oh, and pssst ... they have feelings. Robust, curvaceous, grand feelings.

Glad your evenings are tied up, and you can't audition for shows ... so I don't have to see your skinny butt on a stage ... untalented to boot, I'm sure.