Pieter Toerien Presents
 EVITA
Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre
25 Feb – 27 March
PAUL WARWICK GRIFFIN – EVITA and the growth of the “Bonsai Musical”

In 2004, Pieter Toerien approached me to stage JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT for his two theatres, Johannesburg’s Montecasino Theatre and the Theatre on The Bay in Cape Town. The success of that season led to the evolution of what we have lovingly come to refer to as the “bonsai” musicals, with JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, HAIR and CHESS following in Joseph’s footsteps. It has always been thrilling and sometimes extremely challenging to create a world in which these classic stories could live in these most intimate of environments. In many ways, I believe our biggest challenges have often also been the greatest strengths of the productions, ensuring that we rely almost entirely on the incredible material created by the authors and composers rather than grand theatrical scale to tell these stories. Clearly we are in the finest possible hands with EVITA - Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Since it was first staged in 1978, EVITA has achieved a unique status in the world of musical theatre. It is a rock opera, full of presidential events and iconic musical numbers that would be recognized by most people on the street. But it is the personal perspective on this epic tale afforded to us by Rice and Lloyd Webber that is the key to the telling of the remarkable life story of Eva Perón.

The acid test, however, lies in the execution. I have the greatest admiration for the extraordinary ensemble of actors, creative’s and technicians that nightly prove the old adage that dynamite really does come in small packages!

Paul Warwick Griffin working on stage with Angela Kilian in EVITA

The EVITA company in full chorus on stage

For more pics and to interview cast members please mail mark@montetheatre.co.za or call Mark on (011) 511 1988