The Davidson Community Players production of “Evita” is a star turn worth seeing for any lover of musicals. This historical epic has everything you could want from an evening’s entertainment.

“Evita,” by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, is currently being performed at the Duke Family Performance Hall on the Davidson College campus. I highly recommend this show. It tells the dramatized story of Eva Perón, who became the first lady of Argentina and the heart and soul of the Argentine people.

Eva (Evita, meaning Dear Eva) is played by Melissa Lozada, and she is simply fabulous in the role. Che is a revolutionary who acts as the conscience of the play. Neifert Enrique is also amazing as Che. These two performances alone are worth the price of admission. These are the parts that put Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin on the Broadway map during the original production. Ron Turner Diaz, as Argentine President Juan Perón, rounds out the lead players.

The show recounts the life of Evita as a peasant teen who manipulates her way to Buenos Aires, becomes an actress and eventually marries Juan Perón as she steers him toward the presidency.

Davidson Community Players Executive Director Steve Kaliski also serves as director for this production. The sets were simple but effective. Most of the stage was open, which allowed for movement of some rolling platforms. It also allowed for expansive dance numbers using more than two dozen ensemble players.

Tod A. Kubo’s wonderful choreography used mambo, tango, ballet and other Latin-infused dance styles. Music Director Matthew Primm led a solid orchestra, with the players set up on risers behind the actors.

This show is historical in nature and takes place some 60 to 75 years ago. While Davidson Community Players recommends ages 10 and up, I don’t personally know any children younger than 14 who would follow the story. In any case, it is a wonderful opportunity to bring your teens and have something to discuss with them after the show. Eva Perón is one of the most remarkable women in history and is unlike anyone they will have encountered.

DCP’s performance of “Evita” runs through Sunday, June 28 at the Duke Performance Hall in Davidson. Tickets are $20-$45 plus tax and fees.

Freelance theater critic Robert O’Connell is an independent playwright, and has had dozens of productions and received awards throughout the world. A lifelong educator, Robert has also published three novels at www.flashmobthenovel.com and two humor anthologies from his blog, www.thesmartestguyiknow.wordpress.com. He and his wife have settled in Huntersville.