Axelrod Performing Arts Center's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Tony-winning Evita plays 16 performances at the New Jersey venue beginning May 31.

Directed by José Zayas with choreography by Kelsey Burns, the limited engagement will continue through June 16. Michael Gilch conducts the 10-piece orchestra.

Gaby Albo, who played Gloria Estefan in the national tour of Broadway’s On Your Feet!, stars in the title role with Asbury Park-based rock-and-soul singer Remember Jones as Che.

The cast also features Samuel Druhora as Juan Peron, Jorge Echeverría as Augustin Magaldi, and Madison Figueroa as Peron’s mistress. The ensemble includes Gabriel Argate, Libby Blubaugh, Maggie Cantwell, Ricky Cardenas, Daniella Castoria, Jerrod Ganesh, Abby Harnum, Olivia Jones, Jadon Lopez, Olivia Miranda, Elle Ouimet, Max Sherman, Justin Sudderth, Ryan Torres, and Carly Garcia Walton.

Evita, which premiered as a two-LP recording starring Julie Covington (Eva) and Colm Wilkinson (Che), features a score by Lloyd Webber (music) and Rice (lyrics). Hal Prince staged both the original London and New York productions of the musical, which made stars of Elaine Paige (in London) and Mandy Patinkin and Patti LuPone (on Broadway). The score features such tunes as "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," "Buenos Aires," "A New Argentina," "Another Suitcase in Another Hall," "I'd Be Surprisingly Good for You," and "Rainbow High." Madonna, Antonio Banderas, and Jonathan Pryce starred in the film version; Elena Roger headed the cast of the London and Broadway revivals, the latter with Ricky Martin.

Director Zayas says in an earlier statement, "I'm thrilled to be doing my first show at the Axelrod and collaborating with this remarkable group of artists to bring a new and thrilling vision of Evita to life. Evita's remarkable storytelling still resonates decades after its original premiere. Its message feels prescient, as a warning for all countries. Her tragedy is that of an entire nation. Her contradictions made her impossibly human, and her final fate made her into both a devil and a saint.”

The production team includes scenic and lighting designer Christopher Annas-Lee, costume designer Emily Verilli, sound designer German Martinez, associate choreographer Lindsay Jorgensen, production stage manager Jackie Robinson, and production manager Gil Mason-Butch.

Axelrod Executive Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco and Remember Jones serve as co-producers.

Visit AxelrodArtsCenter.org.