A revival of “Evita,” starring Rachel Zegler as the Argentinian first lady Eva Perón, is transferring to Broadway in the spring of 2027.
Director Jamie Lloyd’s new take on the musical, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, was a massive hit last year in London. The production will play at a Shubert theater to be announced.
“Performing Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s brilliant show in London was a dream come true, but being able to partner once again with Jamie to bring ‘Evita’ to Broadway is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Zegler said in a statement. “I can’t wait to perform for my home, New York City.”
Zegler won an Olivier Award for her performance. The musical chronicles the life and times of Perón, including her origins, rise to fame, political career and untimely death. “Evita,” which counts “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” as one of its most famous songs, began as a rock opera concept album. It originally debuted in London’s West End in 1978 starring Elaine Paige, and transferred to Broadway in 1979 led by Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin. “Evita” has been revived several times on Broadway and the West End over the years and was adapted into a 1996 film starring Madonna.
Lloyd is making one major change from the West End production. In London, Zegler sang “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” outside, from the balcony of the theater, which was then projected on a screen inside the venue for ticket buyers. Though divisive, the scene was symbolic. Variety’s London-based editor Ellise Shafer wrote that “having Zegler perform the show’s biggest moment to a crowd of people on the street — as Perón would have in real-life — returns the power to the people, as she sought to, and reminds us that the art form itself is a privilege.”
Lloyd Webber believes the feat is riskier in the Big Apple because of gun violence in the United States. “The one thing that absolutely cannot happen is what we did in London on the balcony,” the legendary composer told USA Today. “We can’t do that in New York. I mean, something awful could happen. We have gun laws in Britain.”
Lloyd teased he’ll be trying something different for Manhattan crowds. “When we started discussing a New York production, it became apparent that our Palladium staging of ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ would not be possible,” Lloyd said. “I am really excited to explore a new idea, made especially for Broadway.”
Lloyd, whose recent Broadway revival of “Sunset Boulevard” took the actor Tom Francis outside the theater and through Shubert Alley each night, added: “I was completely overwhelmed by the incredible response to ‘Evita’ in London. It is an honor to work with Tim and Andrew, and I’m looking forward to revisiting the production with Rachel, whose stellar performance continues to inspire me.”
Rice called Lloyd’s vision “bold and inventive” and praised Zegler as “magnetic.”
Lloyd Webber said the production is “extraordinary,” adding that “it is so exciting to see Tim and my work reimagined in new ways, and the show has a generational talent in Rachel Zegler. I can’t wait for American audiences to experience a production which took the West End by storm.”
