IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/7/05 CONTACT: PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

SILVER CITY- The Western New Mexico University Expressive Arts Department presents “Evita.” Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and lyrics by Tim Rice. The play, directed by Ann Marie Elder, will be performed by mostly WNMU students as well as students from Silver High School and a few local members from the community.

“Evita,” is the powerful rock opera based on the life story of Eva Peron, the wife of Argentine president Juan Peron. Originally born into poverty, she became one of the most powerful women in her country and became the First Lady of Argentina at the age of 27. Dying of cancer at the young age of 33, Eva was still considered a great and inspirational woman. The story is narrated by the character of Che Guevara, who acts as an advocate for the people questioning Eva’s true motives.

Evita will be performed by Brandie Thornberg, a WNMU student and the current vocal instructor in the music department. Sean Griffin, a WNMU student, will be performing the part of Che Guevara and Larry Mc Lellan, a community member, will be performing as General Peron. Ana Holguin, a Silver High School student, will be playing the part of the mistress and WNMU student, Louis Ortega will be performing the part of Magaldi. Also starring is local talent Ward Ruddick and many others.

The play will be performed in the Fine Arts Center Theatre on, Thursday, Nov. 10, through Saturday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. and the final showing will be Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m.

There will be no admission to the play, however donations are being accepted and will benefit the Herb McGrath Fund which offers scholarships to WNMU students. The Saturday, Nov. 12, performance donations will benefit El Refugio.

For more information please contact Ann Marie Elder at 538-6468 or the Expressive Arts Department at 538-6614.

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Pictured, from left to right are Kevin Vigil (chorus), Lialee Hills (chorus), Brandie Thornberg (Evita), and Ann Marie Elder (director).

Pictured, from left to right, is Monica Mitchell, Leanne Hills at the piano, Ward Ruddick and Adrian Martin.

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