Though the iconic shot from Evita is Patti LuPone standing on the balcony of the Casa Rosada, arms up, singing “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” one of the most complicated songs in the show by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice is “Buenos Aires.”
In this week’s deconstruction, Seth Rudetsky breaks down the complexity of Lloyd Webber’s songs, Rice’s rhyming patterns, and, of course, the talent of star LuPone.
“She goes from a low E to a high C!” exclaims Rudetsky. And just to put that into context, Rudetsky demonstrates that the final note from one of Broadway’s most famous anthems is “the beginning note of Patti’s phrase!”
Of course, Rudetsky also delves into the “crazy” orchestrations and the brilliant dance break, which includes melodies from other Evita songs.
Watch the video above for the full details of Evita’s genius.
Want more deconstructions? Start with the below!