'Evita' sweeps into Paducah

PADUCAH, Ky. -- Have a craving for musical theater that just can't wait for Southeast Missouri State University's debut of "Big River" this October? Don't want to go to St. Louis to get your musical fix?

If so, this weekend you're in luck.

Friday and Saturday, Paducah's Carson Center will host performances of "Evita," the world-famous musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The show, which has won seven Tony Awards, tells the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron (and the subject of a film interpretation of the same name starring Madonna).

According to producers Jam Theatricals, "Evita" is the first Broadway show to be reproduced in every major city in the world. The "Evita" cast also won a Grammy award in 1981 for its recording of "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina."

The show is the first of the Carson Center's 2007-2008 Broadway season, which includes "Movin' Out" Jan. 22 and 23; "Annie" Feb. 19 and 20; "Chicago" March 7 and 8; "Jesus Christ Superstar" April 29 and 30; Hal Holbrook in "Mark Twain Tonight!" Nov. 13; and Mannheim Steamroller April 1.

For more information, call the Carson Center at (270) 450-4444.