I'm sure I'm one of the few people who had never seen “Evita” before the opening night show at Maine State Music Theater June 30. Now that I have I can't say enough great things about this show! From the choreography and singing, to the sets and costuming, it's a four-star event that should not be missed — even by the many who have seen other productions.

First off, this show includes actual film footage of Eva Duarte Perón during her lifetime and of the Argentinian people grieving at the news of her death at the young age of 36 from cervical cancer. A nice way to bring home the fact that this show is based on actual events and the people who lived them.

Second, Broadway actress Kate Fahrner is outstanding as Eva, effectively communicating this complex woman's ambitious side, the woman who wanted more than to be living in poverty because her father disowned Eva, her siblings, and mother (whom he never married because he already had a wife and children). Beginning in her mid-teens she left for Buenos Aires to become an actress and succeeded in stage, film and radio productions. And these acting skills were of great use to her once she moved from mistress to first lady.

Her illegitimacy was something she went to great lengths to hide — particularly when Perón entered her life; she had her birth certificate altered. Eva wanted more than she had and she got it when she became Perón's wife. Once the first lady of her country she worked to improve women's rights and fought for the poor (who adored her). But not the military, nor the show's narrator, political activist Che Guevara. True, Che was not part of the real story, he was not a supporter of the Peróns, he was a famed revolutionary in Argentina, and he did not live in poverty as the narrator of “Evita” does. This is a bit of poetic license used to give a voice to the impoverished people of Argentina and as a character that challenges Eva, reminding her she is not following through with her promises because she cares only about herself. The wealthy of Argentina are also not fans of Eva. They show her nothing but disdain.

Kate Fahrner's voice is perfect for the songs in the show and she really went for it on opening night. When she sings “Buenos Aires” as the teen-aged Eva the growing excitement within the girl is captured. In “I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You,” Eva and Perón (played by the seasoned Nat Chandler with a subtle nobility) point out what each can do for the other. At times you believe Eva does care for Juan, and other times, even in this song, you think he is merely a vehicle for the ambitious girl from Los Toldos, a town on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.

The best known number, “Don't Cry For Me Argentina,” is beautifully done — first at her presentation as first lady — and that moment when Evita walks out onto that balcony in that gorgeous floating white dress. Breathtaking. And near the end of the show, during her last radio show — Fahrer captures the emotions of this character effortlessly from high-flying and powerful to dying and fragile. And Fahrner does it with heart.

A most heartfelt performance is given by Selena Qureshi as Juan’s mistress after Eva relieves her of her duties, in the song “Another Suitcase in Another Hall.” Qureshi brought tears to my eyes. And she will do the same to you I’m quite sure.

Che is played to perfection by Matt Farcher — handsome (as was the real Che), with a fabulous voice, this actor was well cast. You look forward to his calling Eva out and deriding her, particularly in the number “Good Night and Thank You,” in which her home is a revolving door with a different lover each night. Audiences will love Farcher's performance.

And while I'm talking about performances audiences are guaranteed to love … the tango couple dancing during the “I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You,” are mesmerizing. The couple, Jaime Verazin and Mark Stuart, have been dancing together for some time at Mark Stuart Dance Theater.

Stuart is a choreographer, dancer, producer, director on Broadway, off-B and film, and Verazin is also a choreographer and dancer on Broadway, MET Opera, TV and film; and 2016 Fred Astaire Award Nominee for Outstanding Female Dancer Off Broadway.

Every movement is fluid, filled with the sexual energy that lives innately in the tango and with perfect timing. There are jumps, throws … Oh my God they are magic!

The entire company of dancers in this show are in perfect step and time. Marc Robin is the choreographer and we know (yes, even me) that he is a master — one with a highly talented group of dancers. Bravo!

Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark (the music man) told the audience this show has the largest cast that has ever performed at Pickard Theater. “Evita” has a 47-member cast, a cast that will make you understand why the Maine State Music Theater has a reputation for great theater. They will have you jumping out of your seat, eager to give this spectacular cast the standing O it deserves while shouting, “Bravo! Bravo!”

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's “Evita” (1979) continues only until July 16. Purchase tickets NOW at http://msmt.org, by calling 207-725-8769 or at the theater on the Bowdoin campus at 1 Bath Road in Brunswick.