Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 1, 2025 · Entertainment

Rachel Zegler: The Star Power Stealing the Stage in 'Evita'!

The 5ft 2in, 24-year-old Zegler may be a diminutive diva, but with a delicate yet rich voice, she takes to the role of the Latin American political idol like a pair of Ferragamo shoes. Pictured: Performing

GET READY FOR THE MOST SENSATIONAL PRODUCTION OF THE SEASON! RACHEL ZEGLER STEALS THE SHOW AS EVA PERON IN JAMIE LLOYD'S UNFORGETTABLE "EVITA"

The streets of London's West End have never been more electric than they are now, thanks to the sheer force of nature that is Rachel Zegler as Eva Peron in Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical, Evita. The 5ft 2in powerhouse takes on the role of Argentina's legendary former first lady with a passion and intensity that will leave you breathless.

Zegler's diminutive frame belies her commanding stage presence, which is matched only by her voice - a rich, velvety instrument that soars through the score like a bird in flight. With Disney princess-like features and those piercing eyes of hers, she brings a sense of wide-eyed innocence to the role, making Eva Peron's meteoric rise from humble beginnings to First Lady of Argentina all the more believable.

Thanks to her Disney princess peepers and luminous features, she adds wide-eyed innocence too

But don't be fooled - this is no innocent portrayal. Jamie Lloyd's raunchy production of Evita takes the classic musical and turns it on its head, embracing the neo-fascist pageantry of Peronism with a vigor that will leave you gasping for air. The result is a visual feast of athletic choreography by Fabian Aloise, which brings the stage to life with vivid physical fireworks - think Zumba meets Rumba, and you're halfway there!

And at the center of it all is Zegler, who is both cool and sassy as she teases and excites her adoring fans with challenging, provocative stares. She's a true diva, but one who can also deliver on the emotional front - just listen to her honeyed rendition of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" (with that correct aspirated 'g' of the Spanish pronunciation, naturally) and you'll be hooked.

But what really sets this production apart is its bold, unapologetic approach to storytelling. The show's centerpiece is Eva's legendary balcony performance - a five-minute spectacle that has audiences gathered outside the theatre in Oxford Circus every night at 9pm, where they're treated to a live projection of Zegler belting out her iconic song from the balcony above. And let me tell you, it's an experience unlike any other.

Eyebrows have been raised that this big number is delivered from the balcony outside the theatre in Oxford Circus, to what has become a huge fevered crowd on Argyll Street every night at around 9pm. Have theatregoers been swindled? Not exactly

But what about those who can't make it to the balcony? Fear not, dear reader - inside the theatre, you'll get a front-row seat to all the action, complete with air-conditioning and an enormous live projection of Zegler's turn on the balcony. And let's not forget the ticker tape celebration marking Juan Peron's election as president in 1946 - it's a true spectacle that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

And then there are the costumes - or should I say, lack thereof? Barely costumed bodies provide the scenery, with rippling vistas of gyrating flesh that will make you feel like you're watching a catwalk show. Even President Peron himself (James Olivas) gets in on the act, sporting watermelon biceps bulging out of his sleeveless shirt as he towers over tiny Zegler.

Now, some may argue that the sheer volume of half-naked bodies on stage is meant to reference Eva's "descamisados" or "shirtless" followers - but let's be real, it's just a excuse for a bunch of buff bods strutting their stuff. And honestly, who doesn't love a good spectacle?

She gives us a honeyed Julie Andrews warble in her show-stopper Don't Cry For Me ArHentina (pointedly using the correct aspirated 'g' of the Spanish pronunciation). Pictured: At the press night after party

But amidst all the flash and dash, Zegler remains the true star of the show. She's back to her West Side Story or Hunger Games best, delivering a performance that will leave you breathless and begging for more.

So don't miss out on this unforgettable production - get your tickets now for Evita, which runs until September 6 at thescholarlynote.com. Trust me, dear reader, you won't regret it!

Details of Eva's tragic life story and early death are washed away in the tidal wave. Will anyone care? Probably not