Latest news with #RachelZegler
New York Post
2 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.'
The Independent
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Mystery as Evita star Rachel Zegler replaced by understudy during show
Rachel Zegler was replaced by her understudy, Bella Brown, during the interval of her performance in Evita at the London Palladium on Thursday, 24 July. The reason for the 24-year-old actor's mid-show replacement was not disclosed to the audience. Zegler had previously garnered widespread critical acclaim for her portrayal of Eva Perón in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Bella Brown, who played the role of Mistress in the first act, expressed her delight on Instagram, emphasising the vital role of swings and covers in live theatre. The performance, featuring both Zegler and Brown, concluded with six curtain calls and a prolonged standing ovation from the audience.
Metro
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Rachel Zegler replaced during Evita interval in last second change
Fans have praised Rachel Zegler's Evita understudy as she was forced to step up halfway through Thursday's performance. The 24-year-old Hollywood star has been starring as Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd's new production of Evita at the London Palladium and she took to the stage as normal last night. However, during the interval audience members were informed she was being replaced by actress Bella Brown, whose entrance to the audience was the balcony scene performing Don't Cry For Me Argentina. She shared on her Instagram Story: 'Today really showed just how important swings and covers are within this industry!! They are the pillars of the show!! A proud day to be at @officialevita.' Rachel and the official Evita account are yet to comment on the change, and no reason has been given by Bella or audience members. The cover actress, who played the Mistress in act one, wrote: 'What a lucky audience getting to see both myself and MY ANGEL REG ZEG!! (sic)' 'I really hope Rachel is all right!! Love to Bella Brown,' wrote @Hazel2410 on X, while @dankblonde1 said: 'I really hope Rachel Zegler is ok..' 'Okay so mid show switch, both rachel and bella brown were UNREAL,' tweeted @MyriadNice, as others heaped praise on Bella for stepping up. 'Bella was an absolute joy to watch the second act, completely erased any disappointment of not seeing rachel again. She has a huge career ahead of her,' wrote @MizHafHaf. They added in another post: 'It was amazing seeing Rachel tonight, but Bella Brown was SENSATIONAL. I'm actually glad we got to see her do the second act!' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video And audience member @KentWomble said: 'Well! @EvitaMusical was epic. Fantastic production. Rachel Zegler only managed the first half before her understudy Bella Brown took over after the interval and got six curtain calls at the end.' Rachel's run in Evita has captured the imagination of audiences, including the now-infamous creative decision for her to perform the iconic balcony scene outside the front of the theatre. Theatregoers have watched the key moment on a screen inside the theatre, while huge crowds have gathered in the streets to witness the special moment. 'Rachel Zegler is absolutely amazing in it. I'm only a little bit worried that it might get out of hand,' Andrew Lloyd Webber recently said on Good Morning Britain. More Trending Fans have pointed out that Jamie Lloyd's production choice actually mirrors Eva's kinship with the poor people in Argentina. The iconic composer added: 'The crowds now turning up outside the Palladium, now the audience in the theatre sees the crowd outside, and it's kinda like the real deal.' Metro has contacted reps for Rachel Zegler and the London Palladium for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Gripping action prequel soars up Netflix charts as fans declare it 'best in franchise'
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rachel Zegler blows kisses to fans after another incredible night performing in Evita at the London Palladium
Rachel Zegler blew kisses to fans following another incredible night performing in Evita at the London Palladium on Wednesday. The actress, 24, who plays the lead role Eva Peron, appeared in great spirits as she expressed her gratitude to supportive fans waiting outside the stage door. As she headed back to her hotel, Rachel cut a casual figure in a black top and Alo jogging bottoms. The Snow White star couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she waved to fans while departing the West End theatre. Rachel is playing former First Lady of Argentina Eva Peron in the show, which debuted in 1978 and was written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The play follows her rise from a poor background to becoming a powerful political figure and cultural icon in Argentina. Hundreds of people gather outside the venue for the Snow White star's performance of Don't Cry For Me Argentina on the balcony, made famous by the likes of Elaine Paige and Madonna. Rachel, who has been engulfed in controversy since the release of Disney's 'woke' Snow White is hoping her fortunes could see a career turn with Evita. Following the announcement earlier this year, Rachel gushed: '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. 'The opportunity to bring Jamie Lloyd's singular, visionary ideas to life onstage is an honour unlike any other. The stage has always felt like home to me, and I can't wait to make my West End debut in such great company.' Meanwhile Jamie said: 'I am so excited to be collaborating with the brilliant Rachel Zegler on Evita. She is a phenomenal talent, and I am delighted she will be making her West End debut as the iconic Eva Perón'. An official announcement for the show read: 'Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary Evita returns to the West End, reimagined by the visionary award-winning director Jamie Lloyd'. 'Featuring an iconic score including Don't Cry For Me Argentina, Oh What A Circus, Another Suitcase in Another Hall, and the Oscar-winning You Must Love Me'. 'Fuelled by ambition and passion, Eva Perón rose from poverty to become the most powerful woman in Latin America. A symbol of hope to many Argentines, her star shone brightly as she captured the nation's heart and divided its soul'. Rachel is no stranger to musical theatre and starred in Stephen Spielberg's Oscar winning adaption of West Side Story in 2021. Other famous faces to take on the iconic role Evita include Patti Lupone, Elaine Paige as well as mega Madonna in the 1996 movie version. Rachel was recently spotted cosying up to her new boyfriend Nathan Fernand during a dog walk in Primrose Hill, London on Tuesday. The couple looked in good spirits as Nathan, who was previously a stripper on the London-based stage show, Magic Mike Live, wrapped his arm around the actress. The break dancer from Nottingham has appeared in shows such as Hamilton and the Lion King. The couple are believed to have met during Evita rehearsals which began in April for Jamie Lloyd's adaptation of the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Over the past year, Nathan has worked as a stripper on the Magic Mike Live show - a performance created by Channing Tatum based on the films he starred in by the same name. The 90-minute experience sees a cast of male dancers performing provocative routines, acrobatic acts and musical hits which 'celebrates female desires'.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rachel Zegler puts on a loved-up display with new boyfriend Nathan Louis-Fernand as they enjoy a dog walk in Primrose Hill
Rachel Zegler couldn't contain her smile as she cosied up to new boyfriend Nathan Fernand during a dog walk in Primrose Hill, London on Tuesday. The actress, 24, looked loved-up with her new backing dancer partner, who works on her West End musical Evita, as they wandered the streets in the capital city. Rachel beamed as she grabbed Nathan's arm as they walked their pet pooch, ahead of taking to the stage at the Palladium in the evening. The couple looked in good spirits as Nathan, who was previously a stripper on the London-based stage show, Magic Mike Live, wrapped his arm around the actress. The Snow White star showed off her incredible figure as she went braless under a plunging white and black polka dot halterneck crop top. She teamed the number with a pair of blue denim jeans and kept comfortable in a pair of white trainers. Styling her long dark tresses loose, the star opted for minimal makeup during the outing while Nathan donned a white polo shirt with a pair of jeans. The break dancer from Nottingham, who has appeared in shows such as Hamilton and the Lion King, also rocked a white baseball cap and trainers. Rachel laughed as she checked her phone while walking arm in arm with her new boyfriend. The couple are believed to have met during Evita rehearsals which began in April for Jamie Lloyd's adaptation of the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Over the past year, Nathan has worked as a stripper on the Magic Mike Live show - a performance created by Channing Tatum based on the films he starred in by the same name. The 90-minute experience sees a cast of male dancers performing provocative routines, acrobatic acts and musical hits which 'celebrates female desires'. The dancer is very close with his parents and older brother, preferring yoga sessions over late night partying and drinking, he bonded with Rachel over their shared love for musical theatre. The new couple have spent weekends away with one another with the rest of the Evita cast as Rachel, who plays the lead role Eva Peron, has grown very close to them. A week ago the Disney star shared a slew of pictures to her Instagram of a trip away to the countryside and she referred to Nathan as 'the darling man'. The Snow White star has been staying in London while she stars as Eva Peron in the West End musical. Her new romance comes eight months after rumours swirled she had split from her boyfriend of three years, Josh Andrés Rivera - though the pair never confirmed they had broken up. Rumours the West Side Story co-stars had parted ways began to circulate in November 2024 after fans noticed Rachel had edited Josh out of photos on her Instagram feed. The couple began dating in 2021, after meeting on the West Side Story remake - for which she won the role of Maria in an open audition aged just 16. Rivera played the character of Chino. Then in February 2022, Rachel hard launched their relationship on Instagram, but the post has since been deleted. The actors appeared to make their romance Instagram official on Valentine's Day that year when Zegler shared a black-and-white selfie photo of the couple on Instagram. 'Committing valen-crimes,' captioned Zegler, who went on to post video that showed Rivera feeding her during a romantic dinner: 'Happy love day from me n mine.' Over the past year, Nathan has worked as a stripper on the Magic Mike Live show - a performance created by Channing Tatum based on the films he starred in by the same name And in 2023, Zegler wished Rivera a happy birthday in May by gushing about him in the caption of a video that showed them staring into each other's eyes. 'You are everything I love about this world wrapped into one incredible man. Happy birthday, Joshua. In this life, I like just doing laundry and taxes with you.' After their West Side Story collaboration, the pair then featured together again on the Hunger Games prequel. Zegler took on the lead role of Lucy Gray Baird in the 2023 film The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, with Josh playing Sejanus Plinth, mentor of the male tribute of District 2. 'Never been prouder of someone in my life lemme tell you,' Zegler wrote on her Instagram Story when she shared the news of her boyfriend being hired for the prequel. 'Having a familiar face on any set, I think any young actor can attest, is the biggest form of comfort,' the actress told People at the time of her ex-boyfriend joining her on the film. 'And also as [Rivera's] girlfriend, his friend, and his coworker, it's amazing to see the trajectory of his career, and to witness his rise to stardom. I love him so much,' she added. 'I feel really lucky,' Josh chimed in. 'It was a really great source of comfort for me to have her with me so far away from home. 'We were in a different country. We got to explore that country together. It was absolutely lovely. I feel very fortunate.' Speaking to Elle in 2022 about Rivera, Zegler said: 'There's always this deep understanding of what I go through. 'Since [his experience was] on a different scale, he's able to bring me back to earth and tell me when it really doesn't matter. 'Because he's removed from it to a certain degree, he's able to just snap me out of it, and tell me to stop checking my phone, or remind me of what actually matters, and remind me to be present, and to not focus on the opinions of 3,000 faceless strangers on the internet.'
