Evita

Act 1: Eva Perón’s Rise to Fame

Main Characters:

• Eva Perón (Evita):

  • Early Outfit (Before Fame):

    • In the early part of Act 1, Eva’s costumes are modest and reflect her lower-class origins. She wears simple, unadorned dresses, usually in neutral colors like brown, gray, or beige.
    • Accessories: A simple scarf or shawl, minimal jewelry, and a modest hairstyle to reflect her humble beginnings.

  • Costume Transition (Becoming Famous):

    • As Eva’s career takes off, her costumes become more sophisticated, reflecting her transition to the world of entertainment and her rising fame. Her outfits shift to brighter, more glamorous designs with rich fabrics like satin, silk, and velvet.
    • Accessories: Bold jewelry (large earrings or necklaces), feathered headpieces, and glamorous, period-appropriate hairstyles (curls or elegant updos).

  • Costume for the "Buenos Aires" Number:

    • In the song "Buenos Aires," Eva’s costume becomes even more luxurious. She wears a stunning dress that reflects her ascent to power. The dress is often a full-length gown with a dramatic neckline or high slit and adorned with sequins or beadwork.
    • Accessories: A jeweled tiara, a fur stole or shawl, and extravagant gloves to reinforce her status.

• Juan Perón:

  • Outfit:
    • Juan Perón’s costume reflects his military and political authority. He wears a formal military-style uniform, usually in dark colors like navy or brown with gold epaulettes, a high-collared shirt, and a ceremonial sash.
    • Accessories: A ceremonial sword or medal to show his leadership position and his authoritative persona.

• Che Guevara:

  • Outfit:
    • Che’s costume reflects his revolutionary and symbolic role. He wears a simple but bold costume with a military jacket, trousers, and a beret or hat, usually in muted tones like green, brown, or black.
    • Accessories: A pocket watch, boots, and sometimes a symbolic item like a flag or banner to represent his political ideals.

• Magaldi:

  • Outfit:
    • Magaldi is a tango singer and early lover of Eva. His costume is a mixture of casual and theatrical, reflecting his occupation in the entertainment world. He typically wears a suit or tuxedo in deep colors, often black or burgundy.
    • Accessories: A microphone, a hat, and a confident, polished look to match his showbiz background.

Ensemble (Dancers, Citizens, and Soldiers):

• Dancers and Performers:

  • The ensemble costumes reflect the glamorous world of Argentine entertainment in the 1940s. Dancers often wear elegant tango-style dresses or skirts for the women, and sharp suits or tuxedos for the men, often in black, white, or red.
  • Accessories: Feathered headpieces, gloves, suspenders, and period-appropriate hairstyles to reflect the dance scenes and entertainment atmosphere.

• Citizens of Buenos Aires:

  • The common citizens wear simpler, 1940s-style clothing, with men in suits or trousers and shirts and women in dresses or skirts.
  • Accessories: Modest hats, scarves, and simple shoes to reflect the everyday working-class people of Buenos Aires.

• Soldiers:

  • The soldiers’ costumes reflect their military roles with dark, structured uniforms, often in military green, gray, or brown, with epaulettes and ceremonial sashes for official appearances.

Act 2: Eva Perón’s Political Influence and Decline

Main Characters (Continued):

• Eva Perón (Evita):

  • Costume Change (Political Power):

    • As Eva becomes the First Lady of Argentina, her costumes become even more opulent and dramatic, symbolizing her political power and growing status. She wears long, flowing gowns in rich fabrics like velvet, satin, or silk, often with intricate beadwork, fur, or feathers.
    • Accessories: Expensive jewelry, large statement earrings, tiaras, and oversized gloves, all symbolizing her power and wealth.

  • Costume for the "Don’t Cry for Me Argentina" Number:

    • In this iconic moment, Eva wears a regal gown, often a form-fitting dress that is both glamorous and dignified, capturing her status as Argentina's beloved First Lady.
    • Accessories: A sparkling crown or tiara, long gloves, and a dramatic, styled hairpiece, reflecting her iconic status and power.

• Juan Perón:

  • Outfit Change (In Power):
    • As Perón’s political role grows, his costume remains formal but with more emphasis on military regalia. He continues to wear his military uniform, but it may include additional medals, pins, or other symbols of his power.
    • Accessories: More elaborate insignia and a ceremonial sash.

• Che Guevara:

  • Outfit Change (Protest and Opposition):
    • Che’s costume in Act 2 may become even more militant or symbolic. He retains his military jacket and beret, but his overall look becomes more rugged and worn, symbolizing his opposition to the regime.
    • Accessories: A pocket watch or chain to symbolize his status as an observer and critic of the ruling class.

Ensemble (Citizens, Supporters, and Opponents):

• Supporters:

  • Those who support Eva’s political movement wear colorful, celebratory costumes in contrast to the opposition. The costumes include military-inspired outfits with flags, sashes, and armbands.

• Opponents (The Resistance):

  • The opposition to Eva and Juan’s regime might be seen in simpler, more ragged clothing, often in darker colors to represent their dissatisfaction with the government. Their outfits reflect their role as agitators or rebels.

• Citizens:

  • In Act 2, the citizens of Buenos Aires may be shown wearing formal clothing for public events, with some in casual but dignified outfits for street protests or rallies.
  • Accessories: Simple hats, scarves, or gloves to represent their working-class status.

Special Notes:

• Color Palette:

  • Act 1: Rich, bold colors like deep reds, blues, and golds are used for Eva’s rise to power, reflecting the glamour and drama of her early life and rise in show business.
  • Act 2: Darker, more somber colors dominate as Eva’s political power is established, with rich blacks, golds, and blues. The costumes become more dramatic, signifying her power, while her decline is mirrored by the more muted tones in the final scenes.

• Fabric Choices:

  • Act 1: Lighter fabrics like silk, satin, and cotton for Eva’s entertainment costumes, reflecting her transformation from an entertainer to a political figure.
  • Act 2: Luxurious, heavy fabrics like velvet, brocade, and silk to reflect the grandeur of Eva’s role as the First Lady of Argentina.

• Key Costume Elements:

  • Eva’s Gowns: Her costumes reflect the dramatic rise of a woman who becomes a symbol of power and influence in Argentina. The extravagant gowns, tiaras, and accessories represent her iconic status.
  • Juan Perón’s Military Influence: His costume remains military in style, emphasizing his authoritative position and leadership.
  • Che’s Revolutionary Look: Che’s military jacket and beret are consistent throughout, but his costume shifts from youthful rebellion to a more disillusioned and critical role.