To start off its 35th season, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre brought back Evita, a play that needs no introduction, along with a director, Cliff Fannin Baker, who also needs no introduction. Baker did the show some 20 years ago, when he was the Rep's founder and producing artistic director.
Baker is now an occasional guest director at the Rep, and it was obvious he was having a whale of a time with his latest show. Known for its rock opera structure, Baker had what seemed like a cast of hundreds - but was actually less than 30, not counting the tucked-away orchestra - in motion for two hours.
Of course, it takes a good actress to pull off the demanding role of Evita, and Maria Eberlinecq has the goods: great voice, good looks and a bad-girl attitude to top it all off.
But she had to be on guard at all times to avoid having the show snatched out from under her by the mystical character of Che (David Villelacq), who mixes perspective, background, commentary and criticism of Evita, all the while darting in and out of the set to great effect.
In fact, Che (based on the real Che Guevara) displayed several Marxist tendencies - but he was closer to Groucho than to Karl, with the humorous moves.he exhibited.
Evita continues through Oct. 3, Wednesdays through Sundays. For more information or reservations, call (501) 375-0405.