GIOVANNA MARTINEZ stars in “Evita” at the Gem Theater in Garden Grove (Photo by Ron Lyon).

By Thom deMartino/Orange County Tribune

“When the legend becomes fact, print the legend” … isn’t that how the saying goes?

The Gem Theater and One More Productions troupe in Garden Grove takes on the daunting legend of the larger-than-life first lady of Argentina, Eva Perón, in their newest Damien Lorton-helmed production, “Evita.”

Giovanna Martinez stars as the charismatic Eva – once, Eva Duarte – climbing the social ladder as she leaves a trail of ex-partners behind her, beginning with the flamboyant singer Agustin Magaldi (Jack Janowicz) who she persuaded to take her away to Buenos Aires when she was only 15.

After some success as a model, actress and radio star, it’s not long before Eva drifts into the social circles that include the ambitious political figure Colonel Juan Perón (Edvan Galván): though the upper-class aristocracy of the city still look down upon her, and her meager beginnings.

Helping the audience navigate between the fact and fiction of the tale is Che (Aaron Gibbs), a cynical Argentinian everyman who stands alongside the tale, countering the “official” narrative with a more sober, realistic view of what she really accomplished, rather than being swept up in the populist love and devotion for her.

After both a right-wing military coup and an earthquake that devastates the city of San Juan, Eva and Colonel Perón cross paths at a charity fundraiser for the town, and recognize in each other the same yearning not just for fame, but for power – the power to reshape Argentina to their whims.

When they suddenly strike up a relationship (with Eva coldly evicting the Colonel’s former mistress, played by Isadora Salekfard, with a terse “hello, goodbye, I’ve just unemployed you”), the pair become an unstoppable political force in the nation – for better or worse.

Did they in fact truly work to serve the lowly, the voiceless and forgotten of Argentina, as they professed to? Or was it a fantasy, a Cinderella story with corruption and graft, a shell game for their own ends… or egos?

Or is the truth truly woven in somewhere between the two?

While the backgrounds may be sparce upon the “Evita” stage, the visuals are not: the show features spirited dance numbers (choreographed by Angela Mattern, Erik Diaz, Edvin Galván and Julia Iacopetti) and executed by many of OMP’s veteran best, as well as a slew of new faces to the Gem stage.

New additions to the ensemble include Talia Doyle, Bryan Fan, Harmony Ishikawa, Sabina Martin, Yessenia Buezo Muñoz, Isadora Salekfard, Bruno Satalino, Samantha Selaya, Zorro Sengupta, Lindsey VanGerpen and Myles Williamson; while returning members include Kara Dillard, Alexa Kushner, Allie Kyte, Cristina McAllister, Nate Nolen, Max Seigel and the ubiquitous Mr. Rangel (Matthew to his friends.)

Gibbs has an exceptional, energetic, and appropriately subversive turn as the narrator Che, with his biting commentary about the reality of the Perón regime: speaking of which, Galván’s brilliantly rigorous performance as Eva’s military paramour is remarkable (such as his work with the number “The Art of the Possible”.)

Together with the deft musical work behind the scenes (conducted by Nick Bravo), the troupe have created a moving, mesmerizing, and textured montage: a complex portrait of a woman who moved a nation with her determination and vision — making it that much more compelling that she be portrayed by the dynamic and scintillating Ms. Martinez.

Ever since her introduction in the stellar “A Chorus Line” at the Gem in 2021, “Gio” has made the leap from ingénue to headliner so quickly as to give you whiplash: but it is, without question, incredibly well-deserved, and her commanding portrayal here demonstrates exactly why.

With poise, passion and presence, she serenades the audience with such numbers as “I’d Be Surprisingly Good For You” and the much-beloved, classic “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina”: but it’s the moving, powerful depth of her performance, as well as her incredible vocal range that illustrates why this young woman’s star has only just begun its ascension.

Truly the next masterpiece of the Gem stage, “Evita” is a feast for the eyes and ears, and might even compel you to return for another performance (or even Ms. Martinez’s featured turn at the Gem’s “Bobbie’s Lounge” on June 30): there are truly great things to come, for both the theater and its rising star.

“Evita”, Giovanna Martinez, Aaron Gibbs and Edvin Galván star in this remarkable rendering of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic. Playing through July 14 at The Gem Theater 12852 Main Street, Garden Grove, CA, 92840. Call 714-741-9550 x221 or email boxoffice@onemoreproductions.com for ticketing information.