Ariana DeBose might just be trading her Oscar for a “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” moment. Yep, the queen of jazz hands and breathtaking talent is reportedly in talks to star in a London revival of Evita. And guess what? Broadway legend Patti LuPone has entered the chatβand she’s bringing emojis.
Arianaβs Audition for World Domination
If youβve been living under a rock or (worse) ignoring musical theater, Ariana DeBose is a big deal. Like, βEGOT-in-trainingβ big deal. Sheβs got an Oscar for West Side Story (because, obviously), a Tony nomination for Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, and a rΓ©sumΓ© so packed it might have its own Equity card: Hamilton, Pippin, A Bronx Tale. Basically, Ariana is booked, blessed, and Broadway-bred.
But hereβs the kicker: she hasnβt graced a musical stage since 2018βs Summer. (In theater years, thatβs like… a century.) So, when asked about taking on the role of Eva PerΓ³n, Ariana played it cool but cryptic: βFingers crossed. Weβre 70% there,β she told Deadline. Translation: “Let me finish reviewing the rider in my contractβbecause this diva needs sparkling water and vegan empanadas backstage.”
The Jamie Lloyd Factor
The revival is reportedly being directed by Jamie Lloyd, whoβs basically the David Blaine of theater: he takes classic works and makes them edgy, raw, and Instagram-worthy. The show is set for a snazzy 12-week run in London from June 14 to September 6. So, if youβve got vacation plans, cancel them now.
Ariana is also hyped about the productionβs βnew vision,β saying itβs crucial to find a fresh take for todayβs audiences. In musical terms, this means we might be getting an Eva PerΓ³n who moonwalks into the Casa Rosada or, at the very least, rocks Balenciaga. Stay tuned.
Patti LuPone: The OG Evita Spills the Mate
Letβs not forget Patti LuPone, the original Broadway Eva PerΓ³n, who sang βDonβt Cry for Me Argentinaβ like her life depended on itβand probably terrified some chandeliers in the process. Pattiβs reaction to the news? Delightfully Patti.
βI think Ariana DeBose is going to play Evita,β Patti said on SiriusXMβs Andy Cohen Live. βI wrote to her. I said, βAre you doing it? Fabulous.ββ (Translation: You better slay, girl.)
Patti then added, βI donβt know whether she signed her contract. I donβt know whether weβre talking out of turn.β Which is Broadway-speak for, βOops, did I just spill the tea? Oh well.β
The Bottom Line
If this revival actually happens, prepare yourselves for Ariana DeBose to light up Londonβs West End like Eva PerΓ³n lit up Argentinaβs political scene. And if Patti LuPone shows up in the audience? Ariana better belt out those high notes extra loud because Patti will be listeningβand probably critiquing.
Stay tuned for more updates, and maybe start practicing your standing ovation now. π