In a bold twist on the classic musical Evita, one of the most iconic moments happens not inside the theater, but outside on the streets of London.
During the performance at the London Palladium, Rachel Zegler, who stars as Eva Perón, steps out onto a real balcony midway through the show to sing the legendary ballad “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina.” The impromptu outdoor performance is aimed at unsuspecting passersby on the street below — and it’s broadcast live on video to the audience watching inside the theater.
Word of this unique approach has spread quickly since previews began, drawing hundreds of fans each night to gather outside the historic venue in the West End to witness the special moment. Zegler, known for her role in Snow White, has become the center of attention both on and off stage.
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, the mind behind the music, described the choice as a powerful theatrical moment. He explained that seeing Eva Perón address a real crowd on the street adds authenticity and grandeur that would be hard to replicate on stage. “It creates an extraordinary moment,” he said, adding that while some attendees may feel disappointed not to hear the famous number live in the auditorium, the impact of integrating live film more than makes up for it.
Director Jamie Lloyd, known for his unconventional methods, made the creative decision. It’s not the first time he’s taken a character off the stage — a previous production of Sunset Boulevard featured a street-side song performance, and Tom Holland performed a key rooftop scene in Lloyd’s version of Romeo and Juliet.
Despite the artistic praise, some ticket holders — who paid as much as £245 (about $330) — have voiced frustration. Theater blogger Carl Woodward noted that some people only attend live theater once a year, so missing the show’s signature number onstage may leave them feeling shortchanged.
However, Lloyd Webber defended the decision by referencing a viewpoint shared in The Times newspaper, which suggested that sharing the anthem with the public for free is perfectly in line with the spirit of Eva Perón — a woman beloved by the people and known for her dramatic public appearances.
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