National Tour of Tim Rices and Andrew Lloyd Webbers Evita

Coming to Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Limited Engagement

ST. PAUL, Minn. (July 10, 2014) The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts announced today that it will kick off its 2014-2015 season with the Tony Award®-winning musical EVITA, Aug. 12-17. Tickets start at $36 and can be purchased online at www.ordway.org, by phone at 651-224-4222 or in person at the Ordway ticket office.

This updated production features new orchestrations and choreography, reflecting a more authentic Argentine culture while still paying homage to the iconic moments the show is known for.

Eva Perón used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady. Adored by her people as a champion for the poor, she became one of the most powerful women in the world. Yet, her greed, outsized ambition and fragile health made her one of the most tragic. EVITA tells Eva's passionate and unforgettable true story, and features some of theater's most beautiful songs, including "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," "Another Suitcase in Another Hall" and "High Flying, Adored."

Directed by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Michael Grandage and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Rob Ashford, this is the first new Broadway production of the seven-time Tony Award-winning musical since it debuted on Broadway over 30 years ago. The New York Post said, The wait was worth it: packed with memorable tunes, EVITA is a modern masterpiece!

The cast features Caroline Bowman (Kinky Boots, Wicked, Spamalot, Fame: The Musical, Grease) as Eva Perón, Sean MacLaughlin (The Phantom of the Opera) as Juan Perón, Josh Young (Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables, West Side Story) as Che, Christopher Johnstone (South Pacific) as Magaldi and Krystina Alabado (American Idiot, Spring Awakening) as the Mistress.

Produced by Hal Luftig, Scott Sanders and Troika Entertainment, the creative team includes tour director Seth Sklar-Heyn, tour choreographer Chris Bailey, Tony Award-winning scenic and costume designer Christopher Oram, Tony Award-winning lighting designer Neil Austin, Olivier Award-winning sound designer Mick Potter, wig and hair designer Richard Mawbey, projection designer Zachary Borovay, music supervisor Kristen Blodgette and music director/conductor William Waldrop. Orchestrations are by Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Cullen and dance arrangements are by David Chase.

For tickets and more information, visit www.ordway.org.

ABOUT THE ORDWAY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The Ordway is widely recognized as one of the nations leading nonprofit performing arts centers and Saint Pauls most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordways Music Theater and soon-to-be completed Concert Hall attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordways mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Childrens Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve more than 50,000 students annually. The Ordway also sponsors the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists. Together with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and The Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances. For more information, visit www.ordway.org.

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QUICK REFERENCE

Production: EVITA

Date: Aug. 12-17, 2014

Time:

Tuesday, Aug. 12 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 13 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 14 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 15 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 16 2:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 17 2:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Location: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102

Tickets: www.ordway.org , Ticket Office: 651-224-4222, Groups: 651-282-3111

Price: $36-$110, subject to change

Pre-Show Events: Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 6:00 p.m., Master Class: Argentine Tango Dance Class for Beginner, $10 per person or $5 with EVITA ticket

Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m., ORDWAY EXTRA: Dramatic Tension: The Art of Tango in EVITAs Argentina, Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m., Tango Dance Party (Demonstration)

Book and Lyrics: Tim Rice

Music and Orchestrations: Andrew Lloyd Webber

Director: Michael Grandage

Choreographer: Rob Ashford

Tour Director: Seth Sklar-Heyn

Tour Choreographer: Chris Bailey

Associate Choreographer: Jennie Ford

Set and Costume Design: Christopher Oram

Lighting Design: Neil Austin

Sound Design: Mick Potter

Wig and Hair Design: Richard Mawbey

Projection Design: Zachary Borovay

Makeup Design: Jason Goldsberry

Music Supervisor: Kristen Blodgette

Music Director/Conductor: William Waldrop

General Manager: Joe Christopher

Casting: Telsey + Company

Cast: Caroline Bowman, Sean MacLaughlin, Josh Young, Christopher Johnstone, Krystina Alabado, Desi Oakley, Chelsey Arce, Ryan K. Bailer, Nicholas Belton, Ronald L. Brown, Kristen Smith Davis, Maria Failla, Tony Howell, Eric Anthony Johnson, Chris Kotera, Ian Liberto, Alison Mahoney, Robin Masella, Megan Ort, Katerina Papacostas, Morgan Rose, Paige Silvester, Johnny Stellard, Matt Stokes, Sally Ann Swarm, Tug Watson

Media Contact: Jessica Petrie, 651-282-3113, jpetrie@ordway.org

Artwork for download: ordway.org/media