Why Madonna Really Was the Perfect Choice for Evita

One of the biggest questions people ask when talking about musicals that have been made into movies is one I want to address today. Was Madonna really right for the part of Evita?

As a fan of the film I have to say that she was. I know that this is a hotly contested opinion so I’ll start with why the reasons people think she shouldn’t have taken the role aren’t that important.

The big issue is obviously the vocal ability. Madonna does not have the range, by far, of original Evita, Patti Lupone. However movie musicals inherently require less belting; after all belting is for theatres so people at the back can hear. The movie medium means this isn’t necessary (see Anne Hathaway and ‘I dreamed a dream.’

The other issue is Madonna’s acting ability, which has often been called into question in the past. However I would contest that Madonna wasn’t really acting so much as bringing an element of her own personality forward for the role.

There’s a reason that Madonna won a Golden Globe for the role. I believe this was because the material girl could identify with the role of Eva Peron. In acting if you can find a bit of yourself in the role it makes it a whole lot easier.

We all know that Madonna is probably one of the most ambitious women on the planet. Eva Peron was too. This innate thirst for success has seen both women establish reputations for pushing the boundaries no matter the cost. Both women are often considered both saints and sinners.

I also believe that Madonna’s ability as a performer did her credit. No one knows how to put on a show like her. Have you ever been to one of her live shows? From start to finish you fall under a trance as she seduces you into her world. She brought this skill and flare for the dramatic to the role of Eva Peron and you could see it shine through right from the first note of ‘Eva Beware of the City.’

This highlights a key point, Simon Morris readers, about how to turn musicals into movies. You have to believe what you’re seeing on screen. This is why Madonna was the perfect choice for Evita; she made us believe the story.