Ricky Martin on Becoming ‘The Danciest Che Ever’ for the Evita Revival

Ricky Martin is heading back on the boards on March 12, leading the first Broadway revival of Andrew Llyod Webber’s Evita as Che.The international singer recently joined his Evita co-stars Elena Roger and Michael Cerveris for a high-fashion photoshoot for Vanity Fair, and dished about the challenges of returning to Broadway, and how his portrayal of the show's narrator will differ from that of the role’s original Broadway star Mandy Patinkin.

“It’s different from pop singing," Martin, who last appeared on Broadway in Les Miserables in 1996, said of the musical's demanding score. "It’s more classical and everything is more pronounced. The range vocally is pretty aggressive, which I love. It’s about challenges. I need to grow as an artist, and the character of Che is giving me the push that I need now. I’m ready.”

Evita’s choreographer Rob Ashford also hopes to capitalize on Martin’s famous dance abilities to make Martin's turn "the danciest Che ever."  Recounting rehearsals with Ashford Martin said, “He told me, ‘Rick, I’m gonna bruise you.’ And I’m like, ‘Bring it on.’” Martin is most looking forward to performing the sultry Act Two song, “Waltz for Eva and Che” because the song marks "the first time [Roger and I] actually look in each other’s eyes,” Martin explained, “And not only that, we dance the waltz and we can add a little bit of tango to it. It’ll be a very special moment.”

Evita features a score by Webber and book and lyrics by Tim Rice. The show charts the rise and fall of the charismatic and glamorous young First Lady of Argentina, and includes songs such as “Buenos Aires,” “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” and “Don’t Cry for Me Agentina.” The revival, directed by Michael Grandage, officially opens at the Marquis Theatre on April 5.