BUTLER TWP — The Musical Theatre Guild's “Evita” played to an invited audience Thursday.

A pretty talented cast managed a rather difficult sung-through score to bring the story of Argentina's controversial first lady, Eva Peron, to life. Latin American rhythms, military marches, and wistful ballads fill out the complex sounding score.

The production opened with an ensemble number, “Requiem” in a mixture of English and what sounded to be Latin and Spanish. The tale began with Eva's untimely death and scrolled backward showing her rise to fame.

Whitney Angeloni Ruediger tackled the role of Eva with gusto. Her credible transformation from a raucous dance hall gal to seemingly refined first lady was a pleasure to watch. Her vocals were remarkable and bold.

Her comedic side was seen in “Good Night and Thank You” as she bid adieu to the rotating men in her life while, “New Argentina” and “Rainbow High” showed her energetic and passionate side which culminated to the more sorrowful “The Chorus Girl Hasn't Learned.” Her “Don't Cry for Me Argentina” was classy, bold and beautiful.

Her critic, Che, also the narrator of the show, was portrayed by Patrick Erkman. He skillfully captured the cynical observer's sarcasm and body language conveying the character's abrasiveness and his attitude toward the Peron's power trip.

The emotion in “Waltz for Eva and Che” was uncomfortable to watch as Eva's fading was evident.

Reasonably new to the theater, Dennis Whalen was featured as Juan Peron. He did a commendable performance in portraying the easily led but also domineering other half of Eva.

The play is written primarily for a cast of three but the audience is lucky enough to experience the work of Justin Anderson as Magaldi and Megan Flannery as the mistress.

Anderson played a crooner and Eva's first step up the ladder. His touring tango-singer persona and his suave demeanor were a delight, and as always his vocals were on the mark.

Flannery portrayed Peron's mistress who was ceremoniously kicked out by Eva. “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” was delivered with sweet tones and compelling sadness.

But it's the haunting amelodic score that steals the show. It often takes effort to understand the words that Tim Rice was trying to squeeze into the beats that Andrew Lloyd Webber allotted.

“Santa Evita” in the second act was a sweet serenade delivered by six adorable and talented children.

Some liberty seemed to have been taken with the actual history of the story focusing mostly on a show girl side to Eva and neglecting her political role.

The unique show, which is under the direction of Karen O'Donnell and Jessica Sanzotti, is a welcome change to the Butler stage.