Latest news with #Don'tCryforMeArgentina
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Rachel Zegler leaves Evita stage mid-show after falling ill
Rachel Zegler, currently starring in Evita at London's West End Palladium, abruptly exited Thursday evening's performance due to illness, according to People. The 24-year-old actress had performed the matinee earlier that day but was unable to continue the night show. During intermission, the production announced Zegler's departure, and understudy Bella Brown took over the lead role of Eva Perón for the second act. Brown opened the act with the show's most iconic number, 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina,' and delivered a performance that earned her a standing ovation lasting nearly five minutes. She and the cast returned for 10 curtain calls. Sharing her thoughts on Instagram, Brown praised understudies and stand-ins, saying, 'They are pillars of a show!' She later called the experience 'a proud day to be at Evita.' -Instagram. Zegler's absence comes amid a headline-making run of the Jamie Lloyd-directed production, which opened in June and continues through September 6. While many have praised Zegler's West End debut, the staging choice for her performance of 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' — sung from a balcony outside the theatre while audiences inside watch via livestream — sparked controversy. Some ticketholders expressed frustration on social media, questioning the value of the experience. Others defended the choice, viewing it as a poignant symbol of accessibility for those unable to afford theatre admission. The role is a personal milestone for Zegler, who previously shared that Evita had deep meaning to her and her father. 'The stage has always felt like home to me,' she told Deadline in March. Zegler's off-stage life has also drawn attention recently. She was seen with dancer Nathan Louis-Fernand at a Sabrina Carpenter concert in July, following reports of her split from actor Josh Andrés Rivera. Her latest role follows a tumultuous year, including public backlash over her comments during Disney's Snow White press tour and the film's poor box office performance.
New York Post
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Rachel Zegler abruptly exits ‘Evita' performance mid-show — and understudy receives standing ovation
Rachel Zegler had to exit stage left on Thursday. The actress, 24, who is currently starring in 'Evita' at the London Palladium on the West End, abruptly left the evening performance due to illness. According to People, they announced Zegler's departure during intermission. 12 Rachel Zegler during a performance of 'Evita.' 12 Bella Brown perform's 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina.' Getty Images 12 Bella Brown attends the press night afterparty for 'Evita.'The 'Snow White' star's understudy, Bella Brown, took over during the second act, opening the scene with the famous tune, 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina.' Despite the switch-up, the audience was pleased with Brown's performance. They gave the young star a nearly five-minute standing ovation. Brown and the rest of the cast also took 10 bows. 'Today really showed just how important swings and covers are within this industry,' the actress wrote on her Instagram Stories. 'They are pillars of a show!! A proud day to be at 'Evita.'' Brown added in a follow-up post, 'What a lucky audience getting to see both me and MY ANGEL REG ZEG!!' 12 Bella Brown takes over as Eva Peron in 'Evita.' Getty Images Zegler is starring as the former first lady of Argentina in the musical, which first debuted in 1978. The show was written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. On Thursday, Zegler previously performed during the matinee show before leaving in the middle of the night run. It is unclear if she will return to the stage on Friday. The singer is set to star in 'Evita' through Sept. 6. The production began its run in June. 12 Rachel Zegler attends the press night after party for 'Evita.'At the time of the show's opening, Zegler took to Instagram to gush over the opportunity. 'I couldn't be luckier,' she shared in a lengthy message. 'I have such a deep love for everyone who has touched this production. I never thought I would get to live my dream this way. Surrounded by the most amazing people. I feel so held.' In March, Zegler noted that starring in Jamie Lloyd's production of 'Evita' had always been a dream. ''Evita' has been such an important musical to me since I was a little girl, when my dad and I would sing 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' together on my back patio,' she told Deadline. 'The opportunity to bring Jamie Lloyd's singular, visionary ideas to life onstage is an honor unlike any other,' continued Zegler. 'The stage has always felt like home to me, and I can't wait to make my West End debut in such great company.' But after opening night, Zegler sparked criticism from some fans. She performed 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' from a balcony overlooking the street outside the venue. 12 Rachel Zegler performs the encore of 'Evita' at the London Palladium. Raphael Pour-Hashemi/Mega 12 Rachel Zegler in a June show of 'Evita.' Raphael Pour-Hashemi/Mega Paying audience members were forced to watch a livestream of the performance on a screen from their seats. 'I'm excited to see her, but not sure how I feel about paying that much to watch the most iconic moment on a screen,' one viewer penned on X. Another social media user called the move 'a bit of a rip off' and blamed production. 'Sorry, are you saying I've paid that much for 2 tickets and she's singing the biggest number outside at people who haven't paid?' a third person chimed in. Rounding out the angry messages, someone else insisted, 'I think you might potentially be a bit gutted [if you were inside the theatre]. I know they had it on the projectors, but you might be a bit gutted to have missed the most important song.' Not everyone was upset by the strategic move. Some fans pointed out that it benefits those who could not afford to see a West End show. 12 Rachel Zegler delivers a stirring rendition of 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina.' JP / BACKGRID 'Absolutely stunning idea and a beautiful symbol – while the rich sit inside the theatre watching from the screen, Evita is outside on the balcony of the theatre addressing all those who can't afford to go to the theatre and/or are living on the streets of London,' one follower gushed on X. 'The whole idea of staging the song this way is truly incredible. Emotional. It says a lot, and I am here for it!' Along with an incredible run on stage, Zegler has also found love behind the scenes. Earlier this month, the 'Spellbound' actress was spotted kissing backup dancer Nathan Louis-Fernand at Hyde Park. 12 Rachel Zegler sings 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' from the balcony of the London Palladium. Raphael Pour-Hashemi / MEGA 12 Rachel Zegler was presented with a unique portrait of herself. MEGA On July 6, the couple attended a Sabrina Carpenter concert and were pictured holding hands while the pop star performed. Other photos showed Zegler leaning on Louis-Fernand and smiling as they chatted closely. The professional dancer previously performed in 'Magic Mike Live' in London, gushing about the experience in a May Instagram post. 'When I was Mike a.k.a Miguel,' Louis-Fernand captioned the clip from his time in the show. Zegler commented, 'You posting this in your birthday is such jokes' to which he replied, '@rachelzegler they just happened to fall on the same day 🤷🏾♂️ a happy accident if you will 😂😂.' The 'West Side Story' vet previously dated her 'Hunger Games' co-star, Josh Andrés Rivera, in 2021. However, the exes quietly split 'late last year,' according to Us Weekly sources. Zegler's latest role, meanwhile, comes on the heels of a controversial year. She received widespread backlash while promoting Disney's live-action film, 'Snow White.' 12 Rachel Zegler spotted out with Nathan Louis-Fernand. BACKGRID 12 Rachel Zegler and the company attend the press night after party for 'Evita.'Zegler, who played Snow White in the movie, went on a rant against those who voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. She posted in a series of now-deleted Instagram Stories: 'May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace.' Many Trump supporters took to social media to share that they were boycotting the film. In turn, the film flopped at the box office. Disney producer Marc Platt's son, Jonah Platt, slammed Zegler for being 'immature.'
Forbes
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Sabrina Carpenter's Biggest Song Misses No. 1 Again As It Returns
Sabrina Carpenter's 'Espresso' climbs to No. 2 on both the Official Vinyl Singles and Physical ... More Singles charts in the U.K., missing No. 1 again. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 05: Sabrina Carpenter attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by) After Sabrina Carpenter released her single "Espresso" in April 2024, it didn't take long for the song to become a global hit. In the United Kingdom, the tune proved to be a breakout smash for the rising star, quickly soaring to No. 1 on multiple tallies during its initial heyday. "Espresso" became a champion on several rankings, and the excitement surrounding Carpenter and her discography has only grown, thanks in part to her ongoing Short N' Sweet Tour. Despite its success, "Espresso" once again fails to claim the No. 1 spot on a handful of rankings as it soars on multiple charts in the U.K. "Espresso" Returns to the Official Vinyl Singles Chart This week, "Espresso" reappears on the Official Vinyl Singles chart, where it is forced to settle for the runner-up spot. The tally is currently dominated by "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," performed by Rachel Zegler, the star of the current revival of Evita on the West End. The track, originally composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber – who is credited as an artist on the recording – blocks Carpenter from reaching the top. "Espresso" launched at No. 2 on the Official Vinyl Singles ranking back in June 2024. In the year and a half it has spent on the tally, Carpenter's cut has collected 17 appearances inside the top 10, but it has never managed to rise to the summit. "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" Leads Several Charts Carpenter also misses out on sending "Espresso" to No. 1 on the Official Physical Singles chart for the first time, as that list is likewise led by "Don't Cry for Me Argentina." Unlike on the vinyl ranking, however, "Espresso" doesn't return, because it was already present last frame, down at No. 45. This time around, it rockets more than 40 places to No. 2, a slot it has now owned five times. "Espresso" Surges Across Multiple Charts "Espresso" breaks back onto three of the six U.K.-based charts it appears on this week. In addition to the vinyl tally, the global smash reenters the Official Singles Sales ranking at No. 12 and the Official Singles Downloads list at No. 82. The tune climbs to No. 46 on the main ranking of the 100 most-consumed songs in the country at the same time. It drops slightly on the streaming roster, but still maintains a spot inside the top 40. Multiple Sabrina Carpenter Hits Return to the U.K. Charts "Espresso" is one of six singles by Carpenter that currently appear on the U.K. charts. Several of those return to at least one tally, including "Juno," "Please Please Please," and "Nonsense,' as all of them have become bestselling hits once again.
New Statesman
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Statesman
Evita for the West End masses
Photo by Marc Brenner Every night Eva Perón appears on the balcony of the Casa Rosada, the Argentinian presidential mansion, serenading the congregated descamisados, or impoverished workers. Except it's not the balcony of the Casa Rosada – it's one outside the London Palladium. It's also Rachel Zegler performing 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina', not Eva Perón. And the spectators aren't descamisados – they're (mostly) Londoners, squeezed on to Argyll Street between a Pret a Manger and a Five Guys, many of whom hold their phones aloft, hoping to catch a good shot of Zegler. This is the climax of Jamie Lloyd's radical version of Evita, and in staging the famous scene outside the theatre, he has brought the sneering, populist magic of Perón to the masses. It's easy to understand the logic of Lloyd's decision to present the most famous number in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's 1978 musical to a passing rabble of plebs. A major theme of Evita is its heroine's disdain for the bourgeoisie ('Screw the middle classes – I will never accept them' is a notable refrain). For in singing to the crowd outside, Zegler symbolically neglects the said classes, housed comfortably inside the Palladium – those who have paid to see the show watch a video of Zegler's performance, which is livestreamed back into the theatre. But, despite its potential for revolt – from those inside crying outrage at being denied a front-row seat for this iconic moment and asking for a refund – Lloyd's zeitgeisty ploy works. It accentuates the depth and authenticity of Zegler's performance. Zegler is a phenomenal Evita: insouciant and cutting in her command of the stage, and of the snobs and misogynists who surround her. Diego Andres Rodriguez is the perfect foil to her cunning, as the musical's revolutionary descamisado narrator, Che. The pair skilfully waltz their way through Evita's many musical numbers, mastering frenetic choreography and a demanding musical score. Lloyd took a gamble in the staging of this stripped-back, unconventional revival, and it has paid off. Evita The Palladium, London W1F [See also: Lana Del Rey's Deep South fantasia] Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Related
Forbes
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Rachel Zegler Charts Her First No. 1 Song
Rachel Zegler and Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" debuts at No. 1 on both the ... More Official Physical Singles and Vinyl Singles charts in the U.K. SEGOVIA, SPAIN - MARCH 12: Rachel Zegler at the European event for Disney's "Snow White" at Alcazar de Segovia on March 12, 2025 in Segovia, Spain. (Photo byfor Disney) Ever since she scored her big Hollywood debut in Steven Spielberg's adaptation of West Side Story, Rachel Zegler has managed to marry her love of both acting and singing on a number of projects. Some have been slightly less well-received — like the recent live-action Snow White remake — while her turn as the star of Evita, currently playing on the West End in London, has garnered positive reviews. Zegler, along with the man who wrote Evita, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, chart a very special hit together, as fans are clearly intrigued by Zegler's take on one of the most famous musical theater songs of all time. "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" Hits No. 1 "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" debuts on several charts in the United Kingdom this week, as a new recording of the classic was recently released. The tune — often regarded as the standout from Evita — was recently sold as a standalone single, and it's become a huge hit in the country. The track starts at No. 1 on both the Official Physical Singles and Official Vinyl Singles charts at the same time. Rachel Zegler and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Smash The new version of "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" credits not just Zegler as the vocalist, but Webber as the composer — and as an artist as well. That means both superstars score their first number ones on the tallies where "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" opens in first place. Zegler is new to both rankings, while Webber has already topped the list of the bestselling songs on any physical format. In 2023, "Make a Joyful Noise" reached the tally for the first time and hit No. 1. Rachel Zegler Reaches a New Peak "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" also lands on the Official Singles Sales chart, which ranks the bestselling songs in the U.K., regardless of format. The Evita cut opens at No. 15, marking a new high point for Zegler. Her previous peak was No. 74, which she climbed to earlier this year with "Waiting on a Wish" from the recent Snow White adaptation. Webber, meanwhile, has already broken into the top 10 with "Make a Joyful Noise."
