Director, choreographer discuss The Gateway’s “Evita”

As for the role of Che Guevera, who narrates some of the scenes, “It makes him more of the people of Argentina with opposing views of her and challenging her ideas.” “Che starts out saying, `how can you not see it?’” added Acosta. “He’s looking at the bigger picture.” Andrews has a theater resume at least a block long with directing roles in national tours and regional including numerous Gateway productions as well and choreography. Acosta, is a NYC-based actor with favorite roles including Bernardo in “West Side Story” National Tour, Joe in “Flashdance” National Tour and a host of regional credits including “Evita” at Asolo Rep. (This writer had the pleasure to dance with Acosta when he pulled me out of my seat during “On Your Feet” at The Gateway. An honorable mention in my diary, he was superb; alas, I was not.) The leads are played by Amanda Rivera Torres and Ryan K. Bailer. Torres has starred regionally as Maria in “West Side Story,” Maria in “The Sound of Music,” Eponine in “Les Miserable” and Belle in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Bailer, has the magnetic heft for Juan Peron and in fact played the role in the 1 st National Tour as well as at Act of CT, Barn Theatre and was Maldi playing Peron as an understudy at the Marriott Lincolnshire. With an impressive roster of theater roles, he was last seen at The Gateway as Captain Von Trap in “The Sound of Music.” Pablo Francisco Torres plays Che and has appeared Off-Broadway and in regional productions of “A Little Night Music” and “Mary Poppins.” There are 31 in the cast including children, the set is a structural abstract steel frame with pieces moving in and out, and projections and lighting will illuminate background scenes; Buenos Aires has more of a European look than Latin. And yes, that gorgeous strapless ball gown is in it. (Ever the fashionista, Eva wore a Dior ballgown in 1951 at Argentina’s 141 st Independence Day. Dior is mentioned in the song, “Rainbow Tour.”) The show is also graced with musical director Andrew Haile Austin Andrew Haile Austin who has headed over 100 productions of operas and musicals across the country, As for the socko production numbers, “Buenos Aires,” “The Money Kept Rolling In,” “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, and “Rainbow Tour” will have you riveted (or dancing) in your seat. “This is an iconic mega musical from the British invasion,” promised Acosta. Tickets can be purchased through their website, theGateway.org.