The demands of 'Evita'
By Bruce R. Miller Journal staff writer | Posted: Friday, February 01, 2008
Cameron Leigh Wade was chosen to play Eva Peron in the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical "Evita."
Don't cry for Cameron Leigh Wade.
She may be leaving the national touring company of "Evita" shortly after its stop in Sioux City, but she's taking a wealth of experience from her run as the title character.
"I have learned so much about the business, so much about myself," the 21-year-old North Carolina native says. "But I want to go back to school." Just three semesters shy of graduation, she left Elon University in order to see what touring was like.
She also wanted to play Eva Peron -- a role that has intrigued her since she was in the company of a regional production when she was 15. "It's a dream role but it's also a big challenge for anyone."
Entirely sung, the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice show has the kind of notes that test the mettle of even the most-accomplished vocalists. Patti LuPone, the woman who created the role on Broadway, didn't do matinees because it was so demanding.
Wade? "I do eight shows a week and, out of 90 shows, I've missed eight."
The problem? Tonsillitis and exhaustion. "It's sort of too much for one human being to do and remain healthy. It's not just a matter of vocal strain. It's the sort of emotional/mental mind/body journey that you go on. It delves into places that aren't necessarily fun to go to eight times a week. But you do what you have to do."
Peron, first lady of Argentina, was key to husband Juan's popularity. She created an almost cult-like following around him and, unsuccessfully, tried to run as his vice president. Even after her death in 1952, she was viewed in reverent terms as a leader of the common man. Although she never achieved the highest position in her country, she was named its spiritual leader. The musical -- which won the Tony Award -- chronicles her rise from "B" movie actress to icon.
"Anyone in show business can relate to her," Wade says. "She had unstoppable and tremendous ambition." While Wade has no interest in politics, her boyfriend does and, she says, "we joke about it."
Star quality? "I knew from the time I was very small I wanted to be in the business," Wade says. She began professionally at 11 in "Fiddler on the Roof" and has continued to work steadily since. Her parents, both involved in the arts, warned her about the business. "But they also encouraged me to follow my dream. I was in dance class since I was 3 and I always sang in church. Performing was something I was passionate about."
Evita was the Holy Grail -- the part she wanted to attempt at some point in her career. "When I got it, my director and associate director said to me, 'What are you going to do after this?' It's such an incredibly humbling role."
To keep up, Wade says she makes sure she gets plenty of rest each day. "It's hard on the road, particularly when you're in different hotels all the time. But I try to maintain self-discipline. You have to if you want to give the show and the role what they deserve."
Now, with the end in sight, Wade says she knows what she'll leave behind. "I'll miss the people the most. I couldn't have done it if the cast, the crew and the orchestra weren't behind me. There's such fulfillment in doing this show."
After graduation, Wade plans to go to graduate school. Interestingly, she figures she'll ultimately teach -- just like her mother.
"I love performing and I'll continue to do that. But I want to teach.
"You learn so much about yourself from this environment. There's nothing that could have given me what this show has given me."
Still, there is a down side. "It's a really grueling lifestyle that's hard to describe to your friends and family, even if they're in the business. I'm not necessarily a homebody...and it's not that I'm homesick, but I'm sick for a home. There's a toll it takes on your mind and body and heart."
"Evita," Wade says, may be one of those once-in-a-lifetime shows, but it's not the only one on her "Must Do" list. "I really love all the Andrew Lloyd Webber powerhouse roles. I want to be the narrator in 'Joseph,' Mary Magdalene in 'Jesus Christ Superstar.' I want to do 'Les Miz.' Even if I'm teaching, I'll want to make sure my instrument stays sharp and well-tuned."
She may be leaving the national touring company of "Evita" shortly after its stop in Sioux City, but she's taking a wealth of experience from her run as the title character.
"I have learned so much about the business, so much about myself," the 21-year-old North Carolina native says. "But I want to go back to school." Just three semesters shy of graduation, she left Elon University in order to see what touring was like.
She also wanted to play Eva Peron -- a role that has intrigued her since she was in the company of a regional production when she was 15. "It's a dream role but it's also a big challenge for anyone."
Entirely sung, the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice show has the kind of notes that test the mettle of even the most-accomplished vocalists. Patti LuPone, the woman who created the role on Broadway, didn't do matinees because it was so demanding.
Wade? "I do eight shows a week and, out of 90 shows, I've missed eight."
The problem? Tonsillitis and exhaustion. "It's sort of too much for one human being to do and remain healthy. It's not just a matter of vocal strain. It's the sort of emotional/mental mind/body journey that you go on. It delves into places that aren't necessarily fun to go to eight times a week. But you do what you have to do."
Peron, first lady of Argentina, was key to husband Juan's popularity. She created an almost cult-like following around him and, unsuccessfully, tried to run as his vice president. Even after her death in 1952, she was viewed in reverent terms as a leader of the common man. Although she never achieved the highest position in her country, she was named its spiritual leader. The musical -- which won the Tony Award -- chronicles her rise from "B" movie actress to icon.
"Anyone in show business can relate to her," Wade says. "She had unstoppable and tremendous ambition." While Wade has no interest in politics, her boyfriend does and, she says, "we joke about it."
Star quality? "I knew from the time I was very small I wanted to be in the business," Wade says. She began professionally at 11 in "Fiddler on the Roof" and has continued to work steadily since. Her parents, both involved in the arts, warned her about the business. "But they also encouraged me to follow my dream. I was in dance class since I was 3 and I always sang in church. Performing was something I was passionate about."
Evita was the Holy Grail -- the part she wanted to attempt at some point in her career. "When I got it, my director and associate director said to me, 'What are you going to do after this?' It's such an incredibly humbling role."
To keep up, Wade says she makes sure she gets plenty of rest each day. "It's hard on the road, particularly when you're in different hotels all the time. But I try to maintain self-discipline. You have to if you want to give the show and the role what they deserve."
Now, with the end in sight, Wade says she knows what she'll leave behind. "I'll miss the people the most. I couldn't have done it if the cast, the crew and the orchestra weren't behind me. There's such fulfillment in doing this show."
After graduation, Wade plans to go to graduate school. Interestingly, she figures she'll ultimately teach -- just like her mother.
"I love performing and I'll continue to do that. But I want to teach.
"You learn so much about yourself from this environment. There's nothing that could have given me what this show has given me."
Still, there is a down side. "It's a really grueling lifestyle that's hard to describe to your friends and family, even if they're in the business. I'm not necessarily a homebody...and it's not that I'm homesick, but I'm sick for a home. There's a toll it takes on your mind and body and heart."
"Evita," Wade says, may be one of those once-in-a-lifetime shows, but it's not the only one on her "Must Do" list. "I really love all the Andrew Lloyd Webber powerhouse roles. I want to be the narrator in 'Joseph,' Mary Magdalene in 'Jesus Christ Superstar.' I want to do 'Les Miz.' Even if I'm teaching, I'll want to make sure my instrument stays sharp and well-tuned."
Story Comments
Read More and Post Comments 0 comment(s)
Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Sioux City Journal or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats. Terms of Service
