Ricky Martin, Elena Roger Set for Broadway Revival of Evita

Ricky Martin will play Che opposite the previously announced Elena Roger, who will play the title role in a Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita. Michael Grandage will direct and Rob Ashford will choreograph the production, aiming to arrive on Broadway in spring 2012 at a theater to be announced. Additional creative team members and casting will be announced at a later date.

The Puerto Rican-born Martin became a major pop sensation with his 1999 hit song “Livin’ la Vida Loca.” On Broadway, he was seen as Marius in Les Miserables. Currently, the performer is in the final stages of recording a new album, which will be released later this year. Martin is then expected to undertake a worldwide tour throughout 2011.

Evita, which tells the story of Argentina’s Eva Peron, premiered on Broadway in 1980, starring Patti LuPone in the title role and Mandy Patinkin as Che, both of whom won Tony Awards for their work. The production received an additional five Tonys, including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, and Best Direction, for Harold Prince.