Thumbs Up! No Understudy Blues Here: Evita Shines with Max von Essen and Alternate Christina DeCicco

At most shows, the program insert alerting audience members that the marquee star is not performing is rightfully greeted with groans and sighs. But if this happens to you at the Marquis Theatre, sit tight: Evita is in very capable hands with Ricky Martin understudy Max von Essen as Che and Eva alternate Christina DeCicco in the title role when Elena Roger is not performing. Von Essen impressed us initially as Evita’s supporting player Magaldi and won our hearts with his playful backstage tour, yet when he took center stage as Evita’s disillusioned narrator, we saw a whole new side of his talent. Not only did he sound terrific tearing through Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock score, but his acting as the angry Argentine everyman was impeccable. By Act Two, we were ready to join Che's crusade, wherever it led. Keep your eye out, as well, for Evita’s alternate Eva, Christina DeCicco, an up-and-coming talent whose sexy and funny Eva was an unexpected joy. A terrific vocalist, DeCicco’s soaring rendition of “Rainbow High” was especially entertaining. While no one wants to miss Evita headliners Roger and Martin, rest assured you will get more than “just a little touch of star quality” from von Essen and DeCicco during the stars’ scheduled vacations later this summer.