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Hawaii Tribune-Herald Emotional final act When “Evita” — the Andrew Directing ‘Evita’ culminates drama professor’s long career Lloyd Webber musical about the rise of Eva Duarte Peron as the first lady of Argentina — first became available on vinyl, Jackie Pualani Johnson spent countless hours playing the record in the basement of her grandmother’s home on Hinano Street. “I bet the neighbors knew the lyrics through and through,” jokes Johnson, a University of Hawaii at Hilo drama professor. “That was back in the mid-1970s. It has remained on my ‘to-do’ list ever since.” “Evita” finally will come to life on the UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center stage as the final directorial undertaking for Johnson, who will retire this spring after a 38-year teaching career. A cast of 50 performers composed of students, staff and community members will bring the story to the stage with performances at 7:30 p.m. April 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 and 15 and 2 p.m. matinee April 9. There were hordes of talented Hilo actors and actresses who auditioned — knowing this was Johnson’s final UH-Hilo show — making the selection for the lead roles of Eva Peron, Juan Peron, Che, Augustin Magaldi and the Mistress a challenge. “There were many who acted, sang and danced at a high level of ability, so we had to have call-backs,” Johnson said. “Rarely do we need to put the auditionees through this process, but it was necessary this time Malu Debus as Evita rehearses for the musical March 21 at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Center. because the five leads carry the story in ‘Evita.’ The artistic staff looked for standouts who understood the depth ofemotion in the show. We chose those we felt had the range and charisma to portray the iconic characters.” In the title role of Eva Peron is Johnson’s daughter, Malu Debus. Debus has worked in shows alongside her mother before, appearing By KATIE YOUNG YAMANAKA Special to the Tribune-Herald See EVITA Page 9


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