The Dirty Details Originally a rock concept album in 1976 – Unified by a theme – Preconceived ideas with all songs contributing to theme or story – A more current example Green Day’s American Idiot Album (suburban teenager becoming darker city-living person) Based off of true story of Eva Duarte de Peron West End opening in 1978, Broadway in 1979 Lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Got idea for music from a radio play on Eva Peron’s life Traveled to Argentina Webber abandoned idea, but came back

Dirty Details CD released in 1976 with newcomer Julie Covington has title role London Philharmonic played music for CD Rice and Webber got Harold Prince to stage musical – "Any opera that begins with a funeral can't be all bad” Reworked some songs and dialogue to fit staging

Eva Peron Born illegitimately in 1919 in Argentina 2 nd wife of Argentina President Juan Peron ( ) First Lady of Argentina 1946 until her death in 1952 Originally started an acting career in Buenos Aires at age 15 Fell in love with Colonel Juan Peron in 1944, married in Peron became President in 1946 While first lady, she was… – Involved with pro-Peronist trade unions – Led Ministries of Labor and Health – Founded Eva Peron Foundation – Led women’s suffrage movement in Argentina – Ran Female Peronist Party 1951 accepted Peronist party big for VP, winning over the “descamisados” but nation’s elite forced her to withdraw A few days after Peron’s re-election she’s given the title “Spiritual Leader of the Nation” by congress Died in 1952 at age 33 from cervical cancer – Diagnosis was hidden from her, though she knew she was ill – Given a state funeral

The Story Opens in a cinema where the movie is interrupted with news of Evita’s death (Requiem for Evita) Che takes audience back in time Eva falls in love with a tango dancer, convinces him to take her Buenos Aires, then dumps him “sleeps” her way up to the top to become an actress

The Story Che foreshadows Eva’s acting and Peron’s politics will collide (The Art of the Possible) Eva and Peron meet at a charity concert for an earthquake Eva convinces him she help him rise to power (I’d Be Surprisingly Good for You) and moves into his inner circle, becomes his mistress Upper classes do not like Peron or Eva

The Story Peron sweepingly wins 1946 election and Eva sings (Don’t Cry for Me Argentina) Che comments on high price of fame (foreshadowing) As first lady, insists on a glamorous image, but dislikes the upper class (she was snubbed in England) Starts controversial foundation, Che comments on possible money laundering (And the Money Kept Rolling In And Out)

The Story Peron’s generals don’t want Eva as VP Conflicts between Che and Eva (A Waltz for Eva and Che) and continues on her political path As she gets more ill, Eva realizes Peron loves genuinely loves her, not for politics Drops VP bid (Eva’s Final Broadcast), laments trading family for fame, and dies Che comments on the monument that was never finished and the disappearance of her body

Webber’s Music Noted for unique and eclectic styles of music in each musical – Traditional choral pieces – Latin-influenced songs – Gentle ballads – Rock

The Results UK and other worldwide productions First rock musical performed at Stratford Festival (Canada) in Tony Nominations with 7 wins including best musical Successful 1996 movie starring Madonna At least 25 different English recordings, with many in other languages

Links Requiem/What a Circus – I’d Be Surprisingly Good For you – Don’t Cry for Me Argentina – The Money Kept Rolling In and Out – Waltz for Eva and Che – Eva’s Final Broadcast –