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TW:
What was the role of Magaldi like to you?
HP: In
researching facts to create the role of Magaldi, the author of Evita gave
Magaldi something of a weaselly and sneaky connotation. I realized I wanted to play him in a manner
that was different from the author’s vision. Agustín Magaldi was a very
popular singer in Argentina (I even have some of his recordings on cassette). I
feel the truth is that Eva took advantage of his notoriety to take her first
steps on the path to arrive in Buenos Aires.
The Brazilian direction, not withstanding
the lack of poetry and melodic beauty in the song, “On This Night of a
Thousand Stars,” opted for some
sneakiness, but nevertheless, kept a certain beauty in the form of singing and
in the formality of Magaldi’s costume (not the fantasy of a rumbeiro).
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TW:
Did you know a lot about the history of Eva Perón before the show? HP:
Eva’s history is very well-known in South America. TW:
What do you remember most about being in this show? HP:
This musical was the tenth I was in. In playing Magaldi, I had the
opportunity to be Perón’s understudy. It was very good! So, I had the
opportunity to play two very opposite parts! |
TW:
Did you feel that the audiences understood the show? Often in places like the United States and
London, the people found the show difficult to understand in certain parts.
HP: I
stress that for South Americans, it was and is a well-known story, except in
some circumstances, because of the explicit way that it was shown.
TW:
Could you speak a little about the other actors (including Cláudia)?
HP:
The singer Cláudia (Evita) is considered by many to be the voice and singer
of the century. She had absolute control over her voice, besides having the
necessary attributes for any singer (rhythm, tonality and good taste in musical
phrasing). In the recordings of Evita,
she is moving – the best – unbeatable. Carlos Augusto Strazzer
(deceased) was an excellent actor. He
wasn’t a singer, but nevertheless had a notable and wonderful portrayal
of Che in the show. Mauro Mendonça - Perón - excellent actor - much praised by
critics. Silvia Massari and Vera Canto e
Mello (Eva alternates) had various opportunites during the run to play Evita as
excellent understudies for Cláudia.
TW:
And finally, what is your favorite song in the show (and you can’t
say “On This Night...” haha!)
HP:
In general, the songs were happy and pretty, yet were very appropriate
for the scenes they were made for. “Don’t Cry For Me
Argentina,” as the main song of the show, is a stand out. And a “0” for the pseudo-tango
“On This Night of a Thousand Stars” - it could have had more
spirit, and not been so out-of-place with the other songs.
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I would like to thank Mr. Prado for his
genorosity and his kindness for answering my questions! Senhor Prado - muito obrigado! |
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