Elena Roger on playing Evita and sharing the stage with Ricky Martin
Since we shoot The Thread in the heart of Times Square surrounded by the lights of Broadway, it was a special treat for us to chat with Elena Roger, who is starring in the Tony-nominated revival of "Evita" right across the street from our studio! The musical has broken the house record at the Marquis Theatre for the seventh time and counting and has become one of the top three highest grossing shows. We sat down with Elena to talk about the six wigs she wears each night, what it’s like to share the stage with a mustachioed Ricky Martin, and the "great responsibility" she feels playing Evita as a girl from Buenos Aires.
Onstage Elena is larger than life. Everything about her performance is big and bold, and we’re not just talking about the gorgeous strapless gown she wears in the iconic “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” scene. In person, though, she is tiny and delicate and made of 100% muscle like a prima ballerina. The intensely physical role requires that she cares for herself like a professional athlete. She gets regular massages and lots of sleep— nine hours a night!
Her wigs and costumes—and there are many— help her to feel as if she’s instantly experienced “20 years of life” as Evita. Off stage Elena’s style is much more relaxed. No gowns or skirtsuits for her. She loves long dresses in soft, comfortable fabrics. Shoes are a different story. High heels are her go-to. “I’m short!” she says, “I like to be a little bit higher.”
If you're in New York this summer, make sure you check out Elena’s performance! And if you've already had the chance to do so, tell us which costume you liked the best by posting on our Facebook wall.
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