evita

its literally difficult for me to remember a time when i wasn't aware of 'evita.' i remember there were ads for the touring production on local tv back in the very early 80's. (if not 70's.) there was even a new york bus in the first 'superman' movie that bore an 'evita' ad on top. i actually think i remember hearing the phrase 'don't cry for me argentina' before i even really understood what a broadway musical was. then, in 1988 (or thereabouts) 'the phantom of the opera' came onto the scene. i was totally hooked by the entire 'phantom' phenomenon. it was very soon after that that i learned andrew lloyd webber was also responsible for the mysterious-sounding 'evita.' so... i found the double cassette of the original broadway cast recording in some low-end record store and bought it. and to this day, it remains my favorite broadway musical. but only patti lupone's version. starring alongside her in that legendary production were mandy patinkin (as Che) and the underrated bob gunton (the warden in 'shawshank redemption') as the dictatorial juan peron.