Latest news with #Zegler
New Statesman
7 days ago
- 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
7 days ago
- 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."
Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Rachel Zegler reveals her favorite Taylor Swift song and fans are surprised: ‘She has taste'
It's no secret that West Side Story and Hunger Games actor Rachel Zegler is a proud Swiftie, but her latest confession has Taylor Swift fans cheering for her even more. The 24-year-old, who is currently starring as Eva Perón in Evita at the London Palladium, was asked by a fan to name her all-time favorite Taylor Swift song. Rachel Zegler is a huge fan of Taylor Swift. Recently, she confessed about her favorite track by the singer.(Invision) After a thoughtful pause, Zegler gave her answer: Cowboy Like Me, a slow-burning track from Swift's 2020 album Evermore. As soon as she responded, fans at the stage door gasped and applauded in delight, clearly moved by the unexpected choice. Zegler continued to sign autographs, as per a The News report. Also read: Travis Kelce melts hearts with viral response to fan calling Taylor Swift 'best girlfriend': Watch Swifties call Rachel Zegler's choice 'impeccable' A video of the moment was captured and shared on social media, where it quickly went viral. Swifties on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to hail Zegler's choice, especially given that Evermore is often described as one of Swift's most underrated albums. A user posting the video on X with the text, 'a fan asking rachel her fav Taylor Swift song.' It was later reposted by another Taylor Swift fan account. One fan commented, 'Love when someone doesn't say Blank Space or Style for once.' Another said they didn't think they could 'love her any more.' Another Swiftie, with Zegler's face as their profile picture, wrote, 'She has taste so true.' A fan responding to the post wrote, 'I love how she's such a genuine Swiftie.' A fifth one, tagging Zegler, said, 'We need a cowboy like me cover my queen.' Also read: Love Island's Kaylor Martin confesses love for Aaron Evans despite being blocked: 'I always will…' Rachel Zegler's longtime Swiftie status According to Parade magazine, this isn't the first time Zegler's Swiftie heart has been on display. Just last weekend, ahead of Sabrina Carpenter's show at BST Hyde Park, Zegler was caught on camera gleefully singing along to Swift's Tortured Poets Department track, I Can Do It With A Broken Heart. With her stunning stage performances and honest fangirl moments, Zegler continues to endear herself to audiences around the world – both as a Broadway leading lady and a card-carrying Swiftie. Fans can catch Zegler in Evita at the London Palladium until September 6. FAQs What is Rachel Zegler's favourite Taylor Swift song? She revealed it is Cowboy Like Me from Swift's 2020 album Evermore. Where is Rachel Zegler performing currently? She is starring as Eva Perón in Evita at the London Palladium through September 6. Is Rachel Zegler a Taylor Swift fan? Absolutely. Zegler has publicly expressed her love for Swift on many occasions and is often spotted singing along at shows or online.
Spectator
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Spectator
More drama-school showcase than epic human tragedy: Evita reviewed
Evita, directed by Jamie Lloyd, is a catwalk version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. The actors perform on the steps of a football stadium where they race through an effortful series of dance routines accompanied by flashy lights and thumping tunes. It's more a drama-school showcase than an epic human tragedy. There are no interiors, no furnishings and no props – not even a suitcase for 'Another Suitcase in Another Hall'. Rachel Zegler plays the lead in black pants and a bra from M&S. In Act Two, she changes into a new bra and pants. White this time, with silvery spangles. She looks like a majorette. Why no proper clothing? Evita is a complex character who starts as a penniless street hustler and turns into a seasoned stateswoman manipulating the media from a presidential palace. She needs decent costumes to support and explain this transformation. Zegler struts about in her high street undies, leering and pouting provocatively but she can offer no warmth or tenderness. She's the baddie here. The narrator, Che (Diego Andres Rodriguez), looks like a jobless cocktail waiter. Juan Peron (James Olivas) seems uncomfortable in his Primark suit and tie. He has the truculent air of a convicted mugger at a parole hearing. Zegler sings 'Don't Cry for Me, Argentina' on a balcony outside the theatre for the benefit of a camera crew and a crowd of random Londoners. This is relayed to a monitor on stage. An odd decision. The punters have to watch a video of a performance that is being offered to passers-by for free. Some ticketholders may want their money back. Intimate Apparel is a genteel story about a pleasant chatty woman, Esther Mills, who lives in New York in 1905. She's a strange character for a melodrama because her life is full of delights. She loves her work as a seamstress and she receives lavish praise for her skills. She passes her time paying social calls to an array of amusing and civilised friends. Her wealthy client, Mrs Van Buren, treats her as an equal and asks if she enjoys opera and supports the suffragettes. She's attracted to a handsome Jewish tailor who emigrated from his native Romania but forgot to bring his fiancée with him for some reason. He shares cups of tea with Esther and they discuss the competing merits of taffeta, silk and lace. A romance is hinted at. After a long day of gossip, Esther visits Mayme, a sexy nightclub pianist, who drinks gin and makes cryptic remarks about her profession. 'A gentle touch is gold in any country,' she says. At night Esther returns home and enjoys the affectionate teasing of her wise, twinkly landlady who asks if she has a suitor. Sure enough, Esther is being courted by George Armstrong, an educated bachelor with a steady job in Central America. He's digging the Panama canal. It's unclear how he and Esther met but he writes her long, erudite letters full of amorous implications. George is perhaps the most high-minded navvy ever to pick up a shovel. 'I stood thigh-deep in crimson petals,' he writes, after felling an exotic tree. Esther sends him envelopes containing bits of silk and cotton which strike George as rather puzzling. They're bound to puzzle the audience too. The explanation is that the author, Lynn Nottage, links all her characters by means of fabrics and garments. Hence the show's title. This clumsy device gets more unwieldly as the play grinds forward. When Esther marries George, she surprises him with a smoking jacket made from Japanese silk. This matches the play's formula, of course. The garment happens to be too small for George's strapping frame but never mind. It's crucial to the plot. The pace picks up in the second half when George decides to buy 12 horses and open a stud farm while Esther fights off a lesbian attack from Mrs Van Buren. From here, the story ought to intensify and the characters should grapple with life-and-death decisions but instead the author de-escalates the tension and settles for a banal, soppy conclusion. It feels like a morality tale for schoolgirls written by a nun. And that's not good. Play-goers don't want to see characters having an easy time. You might as well pay to watch people sunbathing. Lynette Linton directs the show with energy and panache. And the actors do their best to bring life to their banal, well-mannered characters. For some reason, the set is a depressingly grimy structure which resembles a derelict warehouse that even the rats have abandoned. And it hardly suits the frivolous mood of the piece. Just ignore it. Instead enjoy the plush, beautifully embroidered costumes and the exceptional hairstyles and wigs arranged by Cynthia De La Rosa. If there were a Nobel prize for hairdos this show would win.
Elle
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Rachel Zegler Posts Photos of Rumored Boyfriend Nathan Louis-Fernand Embracing Her
It looks like Rachel Zegler has a new love in her life. On July 6, the Snow White actress was spotted in London at the BST Hyde Park Music Festival kissing Nathan Louis-Fernand during Sabrina Carpenter's headlining set. Ahead, get to know Zegler's rumored boyfriend. The 27-year-old is a theater dancer best known for performing in Magic Mike Live, Hamilton, & Juliet, and The Lion King. He also appeared in the 2023 Timothée Chalamet-led film Wonka. He's now a backup dancer in the West End production of Evita, the show that Zegler currently stars in. The pair was first photographed together on July 1 at the press night after-party for Evita at the London Palladium. Although they did not appear in any photos as just a twosome, they did pose for a group cast photo. Earlier that day, Zegler said that working on Evita was a 'true test of chemistry and trust and love between a huge group of people spanning across several different skill sets.' She continued, 'everyone onstage (and off) at the palladium tonight has been working their asses off on this show—some of them for years—to bring it to you in its best form. as someone who joined this journey back in february, having rehearsed since april, and now 17 performances in, i can honestly say that the sheer amount of talent in the building each day is enough to blow the roof off. and we do. eight times a week.' On July 8, Zegler posted a 20-slide photo dump on Instagram that included two images of the rumored couple. The first shows Zegler nestled on Louis-Fernand's chest, and the second (which she also posted to her story) is a blurry photo of the pair embracing. She did not address her rumored new relationship directly, and instead captioned the carousel post, 'hello little baddies in my phone.'
