Rabbit Run’s ‘Evita’ musically stunning but technically quiet

The story of “Evita” is intense, to say the least. Telling the whole story through song without a scrap of dialogue? Well, that’s just challenging.

Rabbit Run Theater nails the song and dance of it all with its current production, but if you don’t know the details of the story, you may want to brush up on the specifics before taking your seat.

The Tony Award-winning musical, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics and book by Tim Rice, centers on the rise and fall of Argentine political leader Eva Perón.

This production, directed by Brint Learned, is a showcase of gorgeous vocals and captivating choreography.

If only you could turn up the volume from the crowd. With a cast that’s loaded with talent and a story where the lyrics are vital for following along, you may find yourself uttering “louder please” in your head.

But most of us at least loosely know the story. So wishing the cast was louder or the orchestra pit was quieter (to hear the lyrics more closely) is not necessarily a life-or-death request.

Now, let’s unpack the details of this talented cast and crew who put this show together with notable elegance.

It’s always exciting to see J.J. Luster on the playbill because he exudes strength and authority in each role he plays. This one is no exception. His character, Che, is the glue that holds this story together. He weaves in and out of scenes, narrating (through song) the life and times of Perón.

Sometimes his character points out the obvious, but other times he hurls an insult or two to Eva, occasionally suggesting she should be ashamed of herself. He goes so far as calling her a “whore” at one point.

Luster uses an accent for his character, and it’s not only convincing but fun to listen to. Aside from his always-commanding stage presence, he boasts a set of pipes that work beautifully for any musical role he’s ever played.

Again, when you see his name, you know you’ve spent your money in the right place.

Eva is played by the gifted Alice Nelson, who seamlessly transitions through the different ages and stages of her character’s life. Eva makes choices some frown upon, but, ultimately, her character is strong and loveable despite those decisions.

One of the best moments in the show comes from Nelson’s dazzling solo “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” In this scene, a slow-motion crowd looks adoringly up to Eva, who stands beautifully on a balcony, serenading her people with a song that assures them she’s still “Jenny from the block” for lack of a better comparison. This song is unavoidably the one you will have in your head as you leave the theater.

The ensemble as a whole is easily a favorite part of this production. A few standouts include Emily Stack (who recently played Ursula in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the Fine Arts Association in Willoughby) and Haley Gagnon (who recently played Esmeralda in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at FAA). Both draw plenty of attention with the emotion they easily summon to their nameless but earnest characters.

Jayson Gage and Stephen Sandham catch eyes, as well, with their impressively sharp jumps and kicks during all the elaborate Argentine tango-ing that goes on in this show (thanks to brilliant choreographer Jill Tschetter).

Another number worth mentioning comes via Caroline Turner, who plays a (nameless) mistress who is kicked out of her love affair. Although appearing to be young, Turner plays heartache effortlessly. Her character stirs up sympathetic feelings in your heart, and Turner possesses a gorgeous, sweet singing voice.

If you’re looking for a fun way to close out the summer, this lively show is brimming with saucy dance numbers to keep you moving and grooving in your seat.

KATHY SANDHAM Scott Posey, as Juan Peron, and Alice Nelson, as Eva Peron, perform in the Rabbit Run Theater production of “Evita.”