Rachel Zegler captivates audiences in her viral performance of Evita, showcasing her talent on a grand stage.
Rachel Zegler Shines in Viral ‘Evita’ Performance
Snow White may not have captured the hearts of audiences, but there’s no need to feel sorry for Rachel Zegler. The West Side Story star has transitioned to the West End, headlining a revival of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s Evita — the iconic 1978 musical based on the life of controversial Argentine politician Eva Perón.
Viral Balcony Performance
Fans don’t need a ticket to witness Zegler’s rendition of the musical’s signature song, “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.” This powerful number is performed live from a balcony at the London Palladium, with the audience inside watching it on a large screen. This artistic choice has sparked some criticism among ticket holders but has also turned this production of Evita into a viral sensation on social media.
Rachel Zegler singing ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ on the London Palladium balcony for the official opening night of ‘Evita’ in London pic.twitter.com/C4ni0vXNZZ
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) July 1, 2025
Broadway Bound?
Producers of Evita are reportedly considering a swift move to Broadway, where Zegler recently starred alongside Kit Connor in Romeo + Juliet, a production that successfully recouped its investment last season. The positive reviews, particularly praising Zegler and her balcony performance, are likely to encourage this transatlantic journey.
As Time Out London‘s Andrzej Lukowski notes, Zegler’s performance has been described as “the biggest news to come out of the theatre world in years.” He highlights the dual role of the audience, who are both Zegler’s fans and part of Evita’s narrative, contributing to the spectacle on screen.
Critical Acclaim
The Independent‘s Alice Saville describes Zegler as “enthralling,” capturing the essence of Evita with her emotive voice. She portrays the character’s rise from mediocrity to stardom with remarkable authenticity.
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Audience members at London’s West End musical ‘Evita’ were full of praise for actor and singer Rachel Zegler who sang one of the show’s big numbers on a balcony overlooking crowds outside pic.twitter.com/KqKi1ucsTh
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 2, 2025
In contrast, The Guardian‘s Arifa Akbar commends Zegler as “phenomenal” but critiques director Jamie Lloyd for prioritizing spectacle over narrative depth. Variety‘s David Benedict shares similar sentiments, suggesting that the production’s rock concert style may confuse newcomers.
Among the most enthusiastic endorsements comes from Broadway veteran Rosie O’Donnell, who expressed her admiration for Zegler on Instagram, stating, “I am so moved I need a day to find the right words. She is just unreal.”
As Zegler prepares to perform “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” in the heart of Manhattan, audiences can expect a surge of excitement and foot traffic.
