Voila! The Evita transcript is here for all you musical fans out there. The entire dialogue script, all the quotes, the whole shebang. If you have any corrections, feel free to drop me a line. You won't hurt my feelings. Honest.
EVITA
Lyrics by TIM RICE
Music by ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER
ACT ONE
1. A CINEMA IN BUENOS AIRES, 26 JULY 1952
(An audience is watching a less than distinguished movie
[in both the original London and New York productions
of EVITA a clip from one of Eva Peron's own movies
was used]. The soundtrack dialogue is in Spanish, the
music melodramatic.)
JULIETA
Carlos.
CARLOS
Julieta, mi querida Julieta.
JULIETA
Carlos, no tendrías que haber venido.
CARLOS
Julieta, ni un millar de soldados me puede detener.
JULIETA
Pero es peligroso, mi padre te arrestará.
CARLOS
Tenía que venir.
JULIETA
¡Carlos!
CARLOS
Hasta este momento, mis labios no han osado murmurar
la palabra amor.
JULIETA
Carlos.
CARLOS
Y mucho más que eso, mi ser todo vibra de deseo. ¿Qué
fue eso? Algo se movió en el balcón de tu padre. Si
fuera ese truhán de Rodolfo, juro que mi espada no
permanecerá en su vaina.
JULIETA
¡Carlos, ten cuidado! Te quiero, Carlos, te quiero.
(Suddenly the film grinds to a halt.
The people in the cinema begin to protest but are
silenced by an announcement)
THE VOICE OF THE CINEMA MANAGER
It is my sad duty to inform you
that Eva Peron, spiritual leader of the nation, entered
immortality at 8:25 this evening.
2. REQUIEM FOR EVITA / OH WHAT A CIRCUS
(EVA's funeral. CHÈ is the only non-participant. He
moves through the mourners, apparently unseen.)
CROWD
Requiem aeternum dona Evita
Requiem aeternum dona Evita
Requiem Evita
Requiem Evita
Evita
Evita
Evita
Evita
Requiem aeternum dona Evita
Requiem aeternum dona Evita
Requiem Evita
Requiem Evita
Evita
Evita
Evita
Evita
CHÈ
Oh what a circus! Oh what a show!
Argentina has gone to town
Over the death of an actress called Eva Peron
We've all gone crazy
Mourning all day and mourning all night
Falling over ourselves to get all of the misery right
Oh what an exit! That's how to go!
When they're ringing your curtain down
Demand to be buried like Eva Peron
It's quite a sunset
And good for the country in a roundabout way
We've made the front page of all the world's papers today
But who is this Santa Evita?
Why all this howling hysterical sorrow?
What kind of goddess has lived among us?
How will we ever get by without her?
She had her moments--she had some style
The best show in town was the crowd
Outside the Casa Rosada crying, "Eva Peron"
But that's all gone now
As soon as the smoke from the funeral clears
We're all going to see how she did nothing for years!
CROWD
Salve regina mater misericordiae
Vita dulcedo et spes nostra
Salve salve regina
Ad te clamamus exules filii Eva
Ad te suspiramus gementes et flentes
O clemens o pia
CHÈ
You let down your people Evita
You were supposed to have been immortal
That's all they wanted
Not much to ask for
But in the end you could not deliver
Sing you fools! But you got it wrong
Enjoy your prayers because you haven't got long
Your queen is dead, your king is through
She's not coming back to you
Show business kept us all alive
Since 17 October 1945
But the star has gone, the glamour's worn thin
That's a pretty bad state for a state to be in
Instead of government we had a stage
Instead of ideas a prima donna's rage
Instead of help we were given a crowd
She didn't say much but she said it loud
Sing you fools? But you got it wrong
Enjoy your prayers because you haven't got long
Your queen is dead, your king is through
She's not coming back to you
CROWD
Salve regina mater misericordiae
Vita dulcedo et spes nostra
Salve salve regina Peron
Ad te clamamus exules filii Eva
Ad te suspiramus gementes et flentes
O clemens o pia
EVA (from offstage)
Don't cry for me Argentina
For I am ordinary, unimportant
And undeserving of such attention
Unless we all are--I think we all are
So share my glory, so share my coffin
So share my glory, so share my coffin
CHÈ
It's our funeral too
3. ON THIS NIGHT OF A THOUSAND STARS / EVA AND MAGALDI / EVA BEWARE OF
THE CITY
(Flashback to 1934 and to a nightclub in Junin, EVA's
home town. EVA DUARTE is fifteen. The cabaret
is nearly over. MAGALDI is singing with great gusto.)
CHÈ
Now Eva Peron had every disadvantage you need if
you're going to succeed. No money, no class, no father,
no bright lights--there was nowhere she'd been at the age
of fifteen, as this tango singer found out.
Agustin Magaldi--who has the distinction of being the
first man to be of use to Eva Duarte.
MAGALDI (The final song of his act)
On this night of a thousand stars
Let me take you to heaven's door
Where the music of love's guitars
Plays for evermore!
In the glow of those twinkling lights
We shall love through eternity
On this night in a million nights
Fly away with me!
I never dreamed that a kiss could be as sweet as this
--now I know that it can
I used to wander alone without a love of my own
I was a desperate man
But all my grief disappeared and all the sorrow I feared
Wasn't there anymore
On that magical day when you first came my way
Mi amor!
On this night
On this night
On this night of a thousand stars
Let me take you to heaven's door
Where the music of love's guitars
Plays for evermore!
(MAGALDI joins EVA and her family--mother, 3 sisters,
brother--at their table. CHÈ is loitering nearby at the
bar.)
EVA
To think that a man, as famous as you are, could love a
poor little nothing like me!
I want to be a part of B.A.--Buenos Aires--Big Apple!
EVA and FAMILY
She wants to be a part of B.A.--Buenos Aires--Big Apple!
CHÈ
Just listen to that! They're onto you Magaldi! I'd get out
while you can
EVA
It's happened at last--I'm starting to get started--I'm
moving out with my man
MAGALDI
Now Eva don't get carried away-
EVA
Monotony past--suburbia departed--who could ever be
Fond of the back of beyond?
MAGALDI
Don't hear words that I didn't say
EVA's FAMILY
What's that? You'd desert the girl you love?
MAGALDI
The girl I love? What are you talking about?
EVA's FAMILY
She really brightened up your out of town engagement,
She gave you all she had--she wasn't in your contract
--You must be quite relieved that no-one's told the papers
--So far-
EVA
I want to be a part of B.A.--Buenos Aires--Big Apple!
Would I have done what I did if I hadn't thought, if I
hadn't known, we would stay together?
EVA's BROTHER
Seems to me there's no point in resisting, she's made up
Her mind, you've no choice. Why don't you be the man
Who discovered her? You'll never be remembered for
Your voice.
MAGALDI
The city can be paradise for those who have the cash, the
Class and the connections--what you need to make a splash.
The likes of you get swept up in the morning
With the trash--if you were rich or middle class-
EVA
Screw the middle classes! I will never accept them!
My father's other family were middle class
And we were kept out of sight,
Hidden from view, at his funeral!
EVA's BROTHER
Do all your one night stands give you this trouble?
MAGALDI
Eva, beware of the city
It's hungry and cold, can't be controlled, it is mad
Those who are fools are swallowed up whole
And those who are not become
What they should not become
Changed--in short they go bad
EVA
Bad is good for me--I'm bored, so clean and so ignored
I've only been predictable--respectable!
Birds fly out of here so why oh why oh why the hell can't I
I only want variety of society.
I want to be a part of B.A.--Buenos Aires--Big Apple!
EVA and FAMILY
She wants to be a part of B.A.--Buenos Aires--Big Apple!
MAGALDI
Five years from now I shall come back
And finally say, you have your way--come to town
But you'll look at me with a foreigner's eyes
The magical city a
Younger girl's city, a
Fantasy long since put down
EVA
All you've done to me--was that a young girl's fantasy?
I played your city games alright--didn't I?
I already know what cooks, how the dirty city feels and looks
I tasted it last night, didn't I?
I'm going to be a part of B.A.--Buenos Aires--Big Apple!
EVA and FAMILY
She's going to be a part of B.A.--Buenos Aires--Big Apple!
MAGALDI
Eva beware your ambition
It's hungry and cold, can't be controlled, will run wild
This in a man is a danger enough
But you are a woman, not
Even a woman, not
Very much more than a child and whatever you say
I'll not steal you away!
4. BUENOS AIRES
(EVA and MAGALDI arrive in Buenos Aires)
EVA
What's new Buenos Aires?
I'm new--I want to say I'm just a little stuck on you
You'll be on me too!
I get out here Buenos Aires
Stand back--you ought to know what'cha gonna get in me
Just a little touch of star quality!
Fill me up with your heat, with your noise, with your dirt, overdo me
Let me dance to your beat, make it loud. let it hurt, run it through me
Don't hold back you are certain to impress
Tell the driver this is where I'm staying
Hello Buenos Aires!
Get this--just look at me, dressed up somewhere to go
We'll put on a show!
Take me in at your flood, give me speed, give me lights, set me humming
Shoot me up with your blood, wine me up with your nights, watch me coming
All I want is a whole lot of excess
Tell the singer this is where I'm playing
Stand back Buenos Aires!
Because you ought to know what'cha gonna get in me
Just a little touch of star quality!
And if ever I go too far
It's because of the things you are
Beautiful town--I love you
And if I need a moment's rest
Give your lover the very best
Real eiderdown--and silence
You're a tramp, you're a treat, you will shine to the death, you are shoddy
But you're flesh, you are meat, you shall have every breath in my body
Put me down for a lifetime of success
Give me credit--I'll find ways of paying
Rio de la Plata! Florida! Corrientes! Nueve de Julio!
All I want to know!
Stand back Buenos Aires!
Because you oughta know what'cha gonna get in me
Just a little touch of
Just a little touch of
Just a little touch of star quality!
5. ANOTHER SUITCASE IN ANOTHER HALL
(Eva after being turned down for a part at an audition)
EVA
I don't expect my love affairs to last for long
Never fool myself that my dreams will come true
Being used to trouble I anticipate it
But all the same I hate it--wouldn't you?
So what happens now?
CHÈ
Another suitcase in another hall
EVA
So what happens now?
CHÈ
Take your picture off another wall
EVA
Where am I going to?
CHÈ
You'll get by, you always have before
EVA
Where am I going to?
Time and time again I've said that I don't care
That I'm immune to gloom, that I'm hard through and through
But every time it matters all my words desert me
So anyone can hurt me--and they do
So what happens now?
CHÈ
Another suitcase in another hall
EVA
So what happens now?
CHÈ
Take your picture off another wall
EVA
Where am I going to?
CHÈ
You'll get by you always have before
EVA
Where am I going go?
Call in three months time and I'll be fine I know
Well maybe not that fine, but I'll survive anyhow
I won't recall the names and places of each sad occasion
But that's no consolation--here and now
So what happens now?
LADIES
Another suitcase in another hall
EVA
So what happens now?
LADIES
Take your picture off another wall
EVA
Where am I going to?
LADIES
You'll get by, you always have before
EVA
Where am I going to?
PHOTOGRAPHER
Don't ask anymore
6. GOODNIGHT AND THANK YOU
CHÈ
Goodnight and thank you whoever
She's in every magazine, been photographed, seen
She is known
We don't like to rush but your case has been packed
If she's missed anything
You could give us a ring
But we don't always answer the phone
EVA
Oh but its sad when a love affair dies
But we have pretended enough.
It's best that we both stop fooling ourselves.
CHÈ
Which means-(hand gesture)
CHÈ and EVA
There is no-one, no-one at all
Never has been and never will be a lover
Male or female
Who hasn't an eye on
In fact they rely on
Tricks they can try on
Their partner
They're hoping their lover will help them or keep them
Support them, promote them
Don't blame them
You're the same
CHÈ (To EMILIO)
Goodnight and thank you Emilio
You've completed your task, what more could we ask
Of you now?
Please sign the book on your way out the door
That will be all
If she needs you we'll call
But I don't think that's likely somehow
EVA
Oh but it's sad when a love affair dies
But when we were hot we were hot
I know you'll look back on the good times we've shared
CHÈ
Which means..(hand gesture)
CHÈ, EVA, EVA's FIRST LOVER
There is no-one, no-one at all
Never has been and never will be a lover
Male or female
Who hasn't an eye on
In fact they rely on
Tricks they can try on
Their partner
They're hoping their lover will help them or keep them
Support them, promote them
Don't blame her, you're the same
GENERIC SINGERS
There is no soap, no soap like ZAZ,
No detergent, lotion or oil with such power,
In the shower.
It's the mother and father of luxury lava,
The talk of the bath, the great ointment
One little frolic with new ZAZ carbolic
You scent it, you'll be sent.
CHÈ (To EVA's SECOND LOVER)
Goodnight and thank you whoever
We are grateful you found her a spot on the sound radio
We'll think of you every time she's on the air
We'd love you to stay
But you'd be in the way
So do up your trousers and go
EVA
Oh but it's sad when a love affair dies
The decline into silence and doubt
Our passion was just too intense to survive
CHÈ
Which means.. (hand gesture)
(By now a fairly long line of EVA's rejected LOVERS
has formed)
FORMER LOVERS
This is a club I should never have joined
Someone has made us look fools
Argentine men call the sexual shots
Someone has altered the rules
EVA
Fame on the wireless as far as it goes
Is all very well, but every girl knows
CHÈ
She needs a man she can monopolize
With fingers in dozens of different pies-
LOVERS
Oh but it's sad when a love affair dies
7. THE LADY'S GOT POTENTIAL
CHÈ
In June of '43 there was a military coup
Behind it was a gang called the GOU
Who did not feel the need to be elected.
They had themselves a party at the point it began
They were slightly to the right of Atilla the Hun
A bomb or two and very few objectives.
Yea.. Just one shove and government's fall like flies
Ka-pow, die
They stumble and fall
Bye, Bye
Back's to the wall
And high
We're having a ball
The tank and bullet ruled as democracy dies.
The lady's got potential
She was setting her sights
On making it in movies with her name in lights
The greatest social climber since Cinderella
Okay she couldn't act
But she had the right friends
And we all now a career depends
On knowing the right fellow
To be stellar
Yea .. Just one shell and government's
Lose their nerve
Ka-pow, die
They stumble and fall
Bye, Bye
Back's to the wall
And high
We're having a ball
That's how we get the government we deserve.
Now the man behind the president
Calling the shots
Involved always greatly in a lot
Of their plots
Was Colonel Juan Peron,
Would-be dictator
He began in the army out in Italy so..
Saw Mussolini's rises
from the very front row
I reckon he'll do
likewise sooner or later.
Yea .. Just one blast and the tear gas
Falls like rain
Ka-pow, die
They haven't a chance
Bye, Bye
The terrorists advance
But one guy
Doesn't dirty his hands
Peron was biding time
Out in the slow lane
Yea.. Suddenly an earthquake hit
The town of San Juan
Ka-pow, die
They stumble and fall
Bye, Bye
Keep away from the wall
But one guy
Was having a ball
The tragedy a golden chance
For Peron
He organized a concert
With incredible flair
In aid of all the victims
Such a grand affair
Politicians, actors, stars
Of every flavor
It was January 22nd, 1944
A night to remember
Yea, that's for sure
For that's the night that Peron
First met Eva
For that's the night that Peron
First met Eva
8. THE CHARITY CONCERT
(Backstage at the Luna Park Stadium. EVA by now a
successful actress, and PERON, by now one of the most
powerful men in the military government, are both
present. EVA's old friend MAGALDI is finishing his act
on stage.
MAGALDI
On this night...
On this night...
On this night of a thousand stars
Let me take you to heaven's door
Where the music of love's guitars
Plays for evermore!
(MAGALDI comes off stage and runs into EVA)
EVA
Magaldi?
MAGALDI
Eva Duarte.
EVA
You're act hasn't changed much.
MAGALDI
Neither has yours
(MAGALDI leaves. The crowd begins to call for PERON.
PERON pushes his way onto the stage.)
PERON
I stand here as a servant of the people!
As we come together, for a marvelous cause
You've shown by your presence, your deeds and applause
What the people can do, true power is yours,
Not the government's, unless it represents the people!
9. THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE
CHÈ
Juan always picks
The easy fight
Juan praises fools
Juan smothers light
Juan shifts from left to right
Politics the art of the possible
10. I'D BE SURPRISINGLY GOOD FOR YOU
(PERON leaves the stage and finds himself face to face with
EVA)
EVA
Colonel Peron?
PERON
Eva Duarte?
EVA and PERON
I've heard so much about you!
I'm amazed for I'm only an actress (a soldier)
Nothing to shout about (One of the thousands)
Only a girl on the boards (Defending the country he loves)
EVA
But when you act, the things you do affect us all
PERON
But when you act, you take us away from the squalor of
The real world--Are you here on your own?
EVA
Yes, Oh Yes
PERON
So am I--what a fortunate coincidence. Maybe you're my
Reward for my efforts here tonight
EVA
It seems crazy but you must believe
There's nothing calculated, nothing planned
Please forgive me if I seem naive
I would never want to force your hand
But please understand
I'd be good for you
I don't always rush in like this
Twenty seconds after saying hello
Telling strangers I'm too good to miss
If I'm wrong I hope you'll tell me so
But you really should know
I'd be good for you
I'd be surprisingly good for you
I won't go on if I'm boring you
But do you understand my point of view
Do you like what you hear, what you see, and would
you be
Good for me too?
I'm not talking of a hurried night
A frantic tumble then a shy goodbye
Creeping home before it gets too light
That's not the reason that I caught your eye
Which has to imply
I'd be good for you
I'd be surprisingly good for you
PERON
Please go on--you enthrall me!
I can understand you perfectly
And I like what I hear, what I see, and knowing me
I would be good for you too
EVA
I'm not talking of a hurried night
A frantic tumble then a shy goodbye
Creeping home before it gets too light
That's not the reason that I caught your eye
Which has to imply
I'd be good for you
I'd be surprisingly good for you
11. HELLO AND GOODBYE
(EVA and PERON arrive at PERON's apartment.
PERON's 16 year-old MISTRESS is in bed.)
EVA
Hello and goodbye!
I've just unemployed you
You can go back to school--you had a good run
I'm sure he enjoyed you
Don't act sad or surprised, let's be friends, civilized
Come on little one!
Don't sit there like a dummy!
The day you knew would arrive is here--you'll survive
So move, funny face!
I like your conversation--you've a catchy turn of phrase
You're obviously going through some adolescent phase
MISTRESS
So What happens now
So what happens now
Where am I going to?
PERON
You'll get by you always have before
MISTRESS
Where am I going to?
EVA
Don't ask anymore.
12. PERON'S LATEST FLAME
CHÈ
At the watering-holes of the well-to-do
I detect a resistance to..
ARISTOCRATS
Precisely!
CHÈ
...our heroine's style
ARISTOCRATS
We're glad you noticed
CHÈ
The shooting sticks of the upper class
ARISTOCRATS
Give her an inch...
CHÈ
Aren't supporting a single ass
That would rise for the girl
ARISTOCRATS
...she'll take a mile
Such a shame she wandered into our enclosure
How unfortunate this person has forced us to be blunt
No, we wouldn't mind seeing her in Harrod's
But behind the jewelry counter--not in front
CHÈ
Could there be in our fighting corps
A lack of enthusiasm for...
ARMY
Exactly!
CHÈ
...Peron's latest flame?
ARMY
You said it brother
CHÈ
Should you wish to cause great distress
In the tidiest officer's mess
Just mention her name
ARMY
That isn't funny!
Peron is a fool, breaking every taboo
Installing the girl in the army H.Q.
And she's an actress! The last straw
Her only good parts are between her thighs
She should stare at the ceiling, not reach for the skies
Or she could be his last whore
The evidence suggests
She has other interests
If it's her who's using him
He's exceptionally dim
Bitch!
Dangerous Jade!
ARISTOCRATS
We have allowed ourselves to slip
We have completely lost our grip
We have declined to an all-time low
Tarts have become the set to know
EVA
I am only a radio star
With just one weekly show
But speaking as one of the people
I want you to know
We are tired of, the decline of
Argentina, with no sign of
A government able to give us the things we deserve.
ARMY
It's no crime for officers to do as they please
As long as they're discreet and keep clear of disease
We ignore, we disregard
But once they allow a bit on the side
To move to the center where she's not qualified
We are forced to discard
She should get into her head
She should not get out of bed
She should know that she's not paid
To be loud but to be laid
Slut!
Dangerous Jade!
(EVA, the glamorous movie star, enters,
flanked by HEAVIES.)
CHÈ (in the guise of a reporter)
This has really been your year Miss Duarte
Tell us where you go from here Miss Duarte
Which are the roles that you yearn to play
Whom did you sleep--dine with yesterday?
EVA
Acting is limiting, the lines not mine
That's no help to the Argentine
CHÈ
Can we assume then that you'll quit? Is this because of
your involvement with Colonel Peron?
HEAVIES
Goodnight and thank you
(They push CHÈ aside and EVA out)
ARMY
She won't be kept happy by her nights on the tiles
She says it's his body but she's after his files
So get back onto the street!
She should get into her head
She should not get out of bed
She should know that she's not paid
To be loud but to be laid
The evidence suggests
She has other interests
If it's her who's using him
He's exceptionally dim
ARISTOCRATS
Things have reached a pretty pass
When someone pretty lower class
Graceless and vulgar, uninspired
Can be accepted and admired
13. A NEW ARGENTINA
PERON
Dice are rolling, the knives are out
Would be presidents are all around
I don't say they mean harm, but they'd each give an arm
To see us six feet under ground
EVA
It doesn't matter what those morons say
Our nation's leaders are a feeble crew
There's only twenty of them anyway
What is twenty next to millions who
Are looking to you?
All you have to do is sit and wait
Keeping out of everybody's way
We'll--you'll be handed power on a plate
When the ones who matter have their say
And with chaos installed
You can reluctantly agree to be called
PERON
There again we could be foolish
Not to quit while we're ahead
For distance lends enchantment
And that is why
All exiles are distinguished
More important they're not dead
I could find job satisfaction
In Paraguay
EVA
This is crazy defeatist talk
Why commit political suicide?
There's no risk, there's no call
For any action at all
When you have unions on your side
EVERYONE ON STAGE
A new Argentina!
The chains of the masses untied!
A new Argentina!
The voice of the people cannot be denied!
EVA
There is only one man who can lead any workers' regime
He lives for your problems, he shares your ideals and your dreams
He supports you for he loves you, understands you, is one of you
If not--how could he love me?
EVERYONE ON STAGE
A new Argentina!
The workers' battle song!
A new Argentina!
The voice of the people rings out loud and long!
EVA
Now I am a worker I've suffered the way that you do
I've been unemployed and I've starved and I hated it too
But I found my salvation in Peron--may the nation
Let him save them as he saved me
EVERYONE ON STAGE
A new Argentina!
A new age about to begin!
A new Argentina!
We face the world together and no dissent within
PERON
There again we could be foolish
Not to quit while we're ahead
I can see me many miles away
Inactive
Sipping cocktails on a terrace
Taking breakfast in bed
Sleeping easy, doing crosswords
It's attractive
EVA
Don't think I don't think like you, I often get those nightmares too
They always take some swallowing
Sometimes it's very difficult to keep momentum if
It's you that you are following
Don't close doors
Keep an escape clause
Because we might lose
The Big Apple
But--would I have done, what I did
If I hadn't thought, if I hadn't known
We would take the country?
EVA
Peron has resigned from the army and this we avow
The descamisados are those he is marching with now!
He supports you for he loves you, understands you, is one of you
If not--how could he love me?
ALL
A new Argentina!
The chains of the masses untied!
A new Argentina!
The voice of the people cannot be, and must not be denied!
CHÈ
How annoying that they have to
Fight elections for their cause
The inconvenience having to get a majority
If normal methods of persuasion
Fail to bring them applause
There are other ways of establishing authority.
ALL
A new Argentina!
The chains of the masses untied!
A new Argentina!
The voice of the people cannot be, and must not be, and will not be denied!
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
14. ON THE BALCONY OF THE CASA ROSADA / DON'T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA
(PERON has just won a sweeping victory in the 1946
Presidential Election. This is the first public appearance
by PERON and EVA since that triumph. Action takes
place both inside and outside on the balcony of the Casa
Rosada - the pink Presidential Palace in Buenos Aires.)
ANNOUNCER
People of Argentina! Your newly elected President--
Juan Peron!
(The CROWD begins to chant "Peron! Peron!")
PERON
Argentinos! Argentinos! We are all workers now!
Fighting against our common enemies--
Poverty, social injustice, foreign domination of our industries!
Reaching for our common goals--
Our independence, our dignity, our pride!
Let the world know that our great nation is awakening
And that its heart beats in the humble bodies of Juan
Peron--and his wife, the first lady of Argentina,
Eva Duarte de Peron!
(The CROWD by now are beginning to chant
"Evita! Evita!")
EVA
It won't be easy, you'll think it strange
When I try to explain how I feel
That I still need your love after all that I've done
You won't believe me
All you will see is a girl you once knew
Although she's dressed up to the nines
At sixes and sevens with you
I had to let it happen, I had to change
Couldn't stay all my life down at heel
Looking out of the window, staying out of the sun
So I chose freedom
Running around trying everything new
But nothing impressed me at all
I never expected it to
Don't cry for me Argentina
The truth is I never left you
All through my wild days
My mad existence
I kept my promise
Don't keep your distance
And as for fortune, and as for fame
I never invited them in
Though it seemed to the world they were all I desired
They are illusions
They are not the solutions they promised to be
The answer was here all the time
I love you and hope you love me
Don't cry for me Argentina...
(EVA breaks down; the CROWD takes up her tune, humming)
EVA
Don't cry for me Argentina
The truth is I never left you
All through my wild days
My mad existence
I kept my promise
Don't keep your distance
Have I said too much? There's nothing more
I can think of to say to you
But all you have to do is look at me to know
That every word is true
(The CROWD is ecstatically enthusiastic; EVA goes
inside from the balcony)
Just listen to that! The voice of Argentina!
We are adored! We are loved!
OFFICER
Statesmanship is more than entertaining peasants
EVA (EVA's MOTHER)
We shall see, little man
CROWD
Evita Peron! La Santa Peronista!
Evita Peron! La Santa Peronista!
Evita Peron! La Santa Peronista!
(EVA goes back onto the balcony)
EVA
I am only a simple woman who lives to serve Peron in his
Noble crusade to rescue his people! I was once as you are
Now and I promise you this we will take these riches from the
Oligarchs only for you--for all of you! One day you too will
Inherit these treasures! Descamisados! Miscompaneros!
When they fire those cannons,
When the crowds sing of glory, it is not just for Peron,
But for all of us! All of us!
ARISTOCRATS (mocking applause)
Things have reached a pretty pass
When someone pretty lower class
Can be accepted and admired-
ARISTOCRAT
But our privileged class is dead! Look who they are calling for now!
15. HIGH FLYING, ADORED
CHÈ
High flying, adored, so young, the instant queen, a
Rich beautiful thing of all the talents, a cross between a
Fantasy of the bedroom and a saint
And you were just a backstreet girl
Hustling and fighting
Scratching and biting
High flying, adored, did you believe in your wildest moments
All this would be yours, that you'd become the lady of them all?
Were there stars in your eyes when you crawled in at night
From the bars, from the sidewalks
From the gutter theatrical?
Don't look down, it's a long long way to fall
High flying, adored, what happens now, where do you go from here?
For someone on top of the world, the view's not exactly clear
A shame you did it all at twenty-six
There are no mysteries now
Nothing can thrill you
No-one fulfill you
High flying, adored, I hope you come to terms with boredom
So famous, so easily, so soon, is not the wisest thing to be
You won't care if they love you, it's been done before
You'll despair if they hate you
You'll be drained of all energy
All the young who've made it would agree
EVA
High flying, adored, that's good to hear but unimportant,
My story's quite usual, local girl makes good, weds famous man
I was slap in the right place at the perfect time
Filled a gap--I was lucky
But one thing I'll say for me
No-one else can fill it like I can
16. RAINBOW HIGH
EVA
There again, I have more to do than
Simply get the message through,
I haven't started!
Let's get this show on the road
Let's make it obvious
Peron is off and rolling
EVA's DRESSERS
Eyes! Hair! Mouth! Figure! Dress! Voice! Style!
Movement! Hands! Magic! Rings! Glamour! Face!
Diamonds! Excitement! Image!
EVA
I came from the people
They need to adore me
So Christian Dior me
From my head to my toes
I need to be dazzling
I want to be Rainbow High!
They must have excitement
And so must I
EVA's DRESSERS
Eyes! Hair! Mouth! Figure! Dress! Voice! Style! Movement!
EVA
I'm their product
It's vital you sell me
So Machiavell-me
Make an Argentine Rose!
I need to be thrilling
I want to be Rainbow High!
They need their escape
And so do I
EVA's DRESSERS
Eyes! Hair! Mouth! Figure! Dress! Voice! Style!
Movement! Hands! Magic! Rings! Glamour! Face!
Diamonds! Excitement! Image!
EVA
All my descamisados expect me to outshine the enemy--
I won't disappoint them!
I'm their savior!
That's what they call me
So Lauren Bacall me
Anything goes
To make me fantastic
I have to be Rainbow High
In magical colors--
You're not decorating a girl for a night on the town!
And I'm not a second-rate queen getting kicks with a crown!
Next stop will be Europe!
The Rainbow's gonna tour
Dressed up, somewhere to go
We'll put on a show!
Look out, mighty Europe!
Because you oughta know what'cha gonna get in me
Just a little touch of
Just a little touch of
Argentina's brand of
Star quality!
17. RAINBOW TOUR
PERON
People of Europe! I send you the Rainbow of Argentina!
CHÈ
Spain has fallen to the charms of Evita
She can do what she likes--it doesn't matter much
OFFICERS
She's our Lady of the New World with the golden touch
She filled a bull-ring--forty-five thousand seater
CHÈ
But if you're prettier than General Franco
That's not hard
OFFICERS
Franco's reign in Spain should see out the forties
So you've just acquired an ally who
Who looks as secure in his job as you
More important, current political thought is
Your wife's a phenomenal asset
Your trump card
PERON and OFFICERS
Let's hear it for the Rainbow Tour
It's been an incredible success
We weren't quite sure, we had a few doubts
CHÈ
Would Evita win through?
PERON and OFFICERS
But the answer is yes!
PERON
There you are, I told you so
Makes no difference where she go
The whole world over--just the same
Just listen to them call her name
And who would underestimate the actress now?
CHÈ
Now I don't like to spoil a wonderful story
But the news from Rome isn't quite as good
She hasn't gone down like we thought she would
Italy's unconvinced by Argentine glory
They equate Peron with Mussolini
Can't think why
EVA (in Italy)
Did you here that?
They called me a whore!
They actually called me a whore!
AN ITALIAN ADMIRAL
But Signora Peron--
It's an easy mistake
I'm still called an admiral
Yet I gave up the sea long ago
OFFICERS
More bad news from Rome she met with the Pope
She only got a rosary, a kindly word
CHÈ
I wouldn't say the Holy father gave her the bird
But papal decoration's never a hope
OFFICERS
She still looked the part at St. Peter's
Caught the eye
PERON and OFFICERS
Let's here it for the Rainbow Tour
It's been an incredible success
We weren't quite sure, we had a few doubts
CHÈ
Would Evita win through?
PERON and OFFICERS
But the answer is--
CHÈ
A qualified--
PERON and OFFICERS
Yes!
CHÈ
Eva started well, no question, in France
Shining like the sun through the post-war haze
A beautiful reminder of the carefree days
She nearly captured the French, she sure had the chance
But she suddenly seemed to lose interest
She looked tired
Face the facts, the Rainbow's starting to fade
I don't think she'll make it to England now
OFFICER
It wasn't on the schedule anyhow
CHÈ
You'd better get out the flags and fix a parade
Some kind of coming home in triumph
Is required
PERON and OFFICERS
Let's here it for the Rainbow Tour
It's been an incredible success
We weren't quite sure, we had a few doubts
Would Evita win through?
CHÈ
And the answer is--
PERON and OFFICERS
Yes
CHÈ
And no
PERON and OFFICERS
And yes
CHÈ
And no
PERON and OFFICERS
And yes...
CHÈ
No
OFFICERS
Let's here it for the Rainbow Tour
It's been an incredible success
We weren't quite sure, we had a few doubts
Would Evita win through?
And the answer is--yes.
Yes.
Yes?
18. THE ACTRESS HASN'T LEARNED
(THE LINES YOU'D LIKE TO HEAR)
ARISTOCRACY
Thus all fairy stories end
Only an actress would pretend
Affairs of state are her latest play
Eight shows a week two matinees
My how the worm begins to turn
When will the chorus girl ever learn?
My how the worm begins to turn
When will the chorus girl ever learn?
EVA
The chorus girl hasn't learned the lines you'd like to hear
She won't be scrambling over the backs of the poor to be accepted
By making donations--just large enough--to the correct charity
She won't be president of your wonderful societies of philanthropy
Even if you asked her to be
As you should have asked her to be
The actress hasn't learned the lines you'd like to hear
She won't join your clubs, she won't dance in your halls
She won't help the hungry once a month at your tombolas
She'll simply take control as you disappear
CHÈ
Forgive my intrusion but fine as those sentiments sound
Little has changed for us peasants down here on the ground
I hate to sound childish, ungrateful, I don't like to moan
But do you now represent anyone's cause but your own?
EVA
Everything done will justified by my Foundation
19. AND THE MONEY KEPT ROLLING IN (AND OUT)
CHÈ
And the money kept rolling in from every side..
Eva's pretty hands reached out and they reached wide
Now you may feel it should have been a voluntary cause
But that's not the point my friends
When the money keeps rolling in you don't ask how
Think of all the people guaranteed a good time now
Eva's called the hungry to her--open up the doors!
Never been a fund like the Foundation Eva Peron!
WORKERS
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Rollin' on in
Rollin' on in
Rollin' on in
Rollin' on in
Rollin' in
CHÈ
Would you like to try a college education?
Own your landlord's house, take the family on vacation?
Eva and her blessed Fund can make your dreams come true
Here's all you have to do my friends
Write your name and your dream on a card or a pad or a ticket
Throw it high in the air and should our lady pick it
She will change your way of life for a week or even two
Name me anyone who cares as much as Eva Peron!
WORKERS
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Rollin' on out
Rollin' on out
Rollin' on out
Rollin' on out
Rollin' out
CHÈ
And the money kept rolling out in all directions
To the poor to the weak to the destitute of all complexions
Now cynics claim a little of the cash has gone astray
But that's not the point my friends
When the money keeps rolling out you don't keep books
You can tell you've done well by the happy grateful looks
Accountants only slow things down, figures get in the way
Never been a lady loved as much as Eva Peron!
WORKERS
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Rollin' on out
Rollin' on out
Rollin' on out
Rollin' on out
Rollin' out
CHÈ
Eva..
When the money keeps rolling out you don't keep books
You can tell you've done well by the happy grateful looks
Accountants only slow things down, figures get in the way
Never been a lady loved as much as Eva Peron!
WORKERS
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Money money money
Rollin' on out
Rollin' on out
Rollin' on out
Rollin' on out
Rollin' out
EVA (speech)
Peron is everything. He's the soul, the nerve,
The hope, and the reality of the Argentine people!
We all know that there is only one man in our
Movement with his own source of light
We all feed from his light and that is Peron!
20. SHE IS A DIAMOND
CHÈ
And now she wants to be Vice-President.
OFFICERS
That was the over the top, unacceptable suggestion
We didn't approve but we couldn't prevent
The games of the wife of the President
But to fill her intentions, encouragement
Shes out of her depth and out of the question.
PERON (to OFFICERS)
But on the other hand--she's all they have
She's a diamond in their dull gray lives--and that's the
Hardest kind of stone--it usually survives
And when you think about it, can you recall
The last time they loved anyone at all?
She's not a bauble you can brush aside
She's been out doing what we just talked about--example
Gave us back our businesses, got the English out
And when you think about it--well why not do
One or two of the things we promised to?
But on the other hand she's slowing down
She's lost a little of that magic drive--but I would
Not advise those critics present to derive
Any satisfaction from her fading star
She's the one who's kept us where we are
OFFICERS
She's the one who's kept you where you are
21. SANTA EVITA
CHILDREN
Please, gentle Eva, will you bless a little child?
For I love you--tell Heaven I'm doing my best
I'm praying for you, even though you're already blessed
Please, mother Eva, will you look upon me as your own?
Make me special, be my angel, be my everything wonderful perfect and true
And I'll try to be exactly like you
Please, holy Eva, will you feed a hungry child?
For I love you--
CHÈ
Turn a blind eye, Evita.
Turn a blind eye
CHILDREN
--Tell Heaven I'm doing my best...
Im praying for you even though you're already blessed
CROWD
Santa Santa Evita
Madre de todos los ninos
De los tiranizados
De los descamisados
De los trabajadores
De la Argentina
Santa Santa Evita
Madre de todos los ninos
De los tiranizados
De los descamisados
De los trabajadores
De la Argentina
CHÈ
I tried to warn a country when you can become a saint!
22. WALTZ FOR EVA AND CHÈ
CHÈ
Tell me before I waltz out of your life
Before turning my back on the past
Forgive my impertinent behavior
But how long do you think this pantomime can last?
Tell me before I ride off in the sunset
There's one thing I never got clear
How can you claim you're our savior
When those who oppose you
Are stepped on, or cut up, or simply disappear?
EVA
Tell me before you get onto your bus
Before joining the forgotten brigade
How can one person like me, say,
Alter the time-honored way the game is played?
Tell me before you get onto your high horse
Just what you expect me to do
I don't care what the bourgeoisie say
I'm not in business for them but to give all my descamisados
A magical moment or two
CHÈ and EVA
There is evil, ever around, fundamental
System of government quite incidental
EVA
So what are my chances
Of honest advances?
I'd say low
Better to win
By admitting my sin
Than to lose with a halo
CHÈ
Tell me before I seek worthier pastures
And thereby restore self-esteem
How can you be so short-sighted
To look never further than this week or next week
To have no impossible dream?
EVA
Allow me to help you slink off to the sidelines
And mark your adieu with three cheers
But first tell me who'd be delighted
If I said I'd take on
The world's greatest problems
From war to pollution?
No hope of solution
Even if I lived for one hundred years
CHÈ and EVA
There is evil, ever around, fundamental
System of government quite incidental
EVA
So go, if you're able
To somewhere unstable
And stay there
Whip up your hate
In some tottering state
But not here, dear
Is that clear, dear?
Oh what I'd give for a hundred years!
But the physical interferes
Every day more--O my Creator!
What is the good of the strongest heart
In a body that's falling apart?
A serious flaw--I hope You know that
23. YOUR LITTLE BODY'S SLOWLY BREAKING DOWN
PERON
Your little body's slowly breaking down
You're losing speed, you're losing strength--not style--
That goes on flourishing forever, but your eyes, your smile
Do not have the sparkle of your fantastic past
If you climb one more mountain it could be your last
EVA
I'm not that ill--bad moments come but they go
Some days are fine, some a little bit harder
But that doesn't mean
We should give up our dream
Have you ever seen
Me defeated?
Don't you forget what I've been through and yet
I'm still standing
PERON (spoken)
Eva, you are dying.
EVA
So what happens now
Where am I going to?
PERON
Don't ask anymore
24. YOU MUST LOVE ME
EVA
Where do we go from here?
This isn't where we intended to be.
We had it all, you believed in me
I believed in you
Certainties disappear
What do we do for our dream to survive?
How do we keep all our passions alive
As we used to do?
Deep in my heart I'm concealing
Things that I'm longing to say
Scared to confess what I'm feeling
Frightened you'll slip away
You must love me.
You must love me.
Why are you at my side?
How can I be any use to you now?
Give me a chance and I'll let you see how
Nothing has changed
Deep in my heart I'm concealing
Things that I'm longing to say
Scared to confess what I'm feeling
Frightened you'll slip away
You must love me.
You must love me.
You must love me.
25. EVA'S FINAL BROADCAST
EVA
The actress hasn't learned the lines you'd like to hear
She's sad for her country
Sad to be defeated by her own weak body
(a microphone is switched on--she is now on the air)
I want to tell the people of Argentina
I've decided I should decline
All the honors and titles you've pressed me to take
For I'm contented--let me simply go on
As the woman who brings her people to the heart of
Peron!
Don't cry for me Argentina
The truth is I shall not leave you
Though it may get harder
For you to see me
I'm Argentina
And always will be
Have I said too much? There's nothing more I can think of to say to you
But all you have to do is look at me to know that every word is true
26. LATIN CHANT
CHOIR
Respice, quaesumus, Domine
Famulam tuam Evita
In infirmitate
Et animam refove, quam creasti
Ut castigationibus emendata
Se tua sentiat medicina salvatam
Per Christum, Dominuum
Qui vivit et regnat
Per omnia saecula saeculorum
Amen
CHÈ
She had her moments, she had some style
The best show in town was the crowd
Outside the Casa Rosada crying, "Eva Peron"
But that's all gone now
27. LAMENT
EVA
The choice was mine and mine completely
I could have any prize that I desired
I could burn with the splendor of the brightest fire
Or else--or else I could choose time
Remember I was very young then
And a year was forever and a day
So what use could fifty, sixty, seventy be?
I saw the lights and I was on my way
And how I lived! How they shone!
But how soon the lights were gone!
CHÈ
The choice was yours and no one else's
You can cry for a body in despair
Hang your head because she is no longer there
To shine, to dazzle, or betray
How she lived,How she shined
But how soon the lights were gone.
ELMBALMERS
Eyes, Hair, Face, Image
All must be preserved.
Still life displayed forever.
No less than she deserved.
THE END