Exclusive Interview: Michelle Pietri, Director of ‘Evita’ at the San Pedro Playhouse
A LEGEND RETURNS
Set to open on June 26 at the San Pedro Playhouse is Evita, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Tony award-winning musical chronicling Eva Perón’s rise from dirt-poor young woman to first lady of Argentina.
Director Michelle Pietri spoke to ArtScene SA about this production.
ArtScene SA: How do you approach a legendary project like Evita?
Michelle Pietri: With a great deal of care, respect, and trust in the creative process. This is a beloved and iconic work, so every decision is made thoughtfully and intentionally. I am fortunate to be surrounded by an exceptional creative team, and each member has done extensive research and brought tremendous insight to their area of expertise. It has been exciting to collaborate with such talented artists and to see how all of those individual contributions come together to create a unified vision for the production.
What do you think makes Evita such an evergreen musical?
Evita is a story about passion, politics, power, and possibility — subjects that remain relevant in every generation. Eva Perón’s story continues to resonate because she refused to allow others to define her. Whether people admire her or question her choices, there is no denying that she shaped her own destiny and left an undeniable mark on history. As a woman of Hispanic heritage, I am particularly drawn to her story. More than eighty years ago, she challenged expectations, broke social norms, and used her influence to improve the lives of many people, especially women. That combination of ambition, determination, and complexity is what continues to make her story compelling today.
How involved were you in the casting process?
I was involved from the very first audition through final casting decisions. Our Music Director, Josh Pepper, and I worked closely together throughout the process, carefully considering every performer who auditioned. We were fortunate to see an incredible amount of talent. The result is a remarkably strong company of artists. Our ensemble is diverse, dynamic, and exceptionally talented, and our principal performers bring both tremendous skill and depth to their roles. I believe we assembled a cast that will serve this story beautifully.
How has it been working with YOSA and the Children’s Chorus?
Josh Pepper and San Pedro Playhouse’s Director of Education (and our Eva!) Sami Serrano have been working most closely with these two groups. Josh shared: “We just recently rehearsed with the Children’s Chorus for the first time with the full cast and orchestra. They have beautiful voices, of course, and were able to make adjustments on subtle timing issues. They attended rehearsal, prepared and professionally! As for YOSA, thanks to this collaboration, the Evita orchestra has additional forces! Specifically added brass and percussion. They fit right in with the seasoned musicians that have been doing shows for years. It’s great sharing this experience with talented youth!”
Is this your first experience with Evita, or have you been involved in other productions?
Evita has been a special part of my theatrical journey for many years. I have had the opportunity to experience the show from several different perspectives — as a member of the ensemble, as a costume designer, and most recently as the choreographer for a previous production at The Playhouse. This production is especially meaningful to me because Evita was the last show I worked on before leaving New Orleans. My husband, Dr. William McCrary, directed that production, my best friend Maggie was part of the ensemble, and our daughter Tess performed in the Children’s Chorus. Because of those memories, this show will always hold a very special place in my heart.
What makes Evita perfect for San Antonio audiences?
I believe Evita is a story for all audiences, but it may resonate particularly strongly in San Antonio because of the city’s rich Hispanic heritage and cultural connections. At its core, however, this is a universal story about love, ambition, sacrifice, power, and the pursuit of success. No matter where we come from, we can recognize ourselves in the desire to build a meaningful life, overcome obstacles, and leave a lasting impact. Those themes are timeless, and that is what makes Evita such a powerful experience for audiences here and everywhere.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Location: Russell Hill Rogers Theater, 800 West Ashby Place, San Antonio, Texas, 78212
Dates: June 26 -July 26, 2026
Times: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS
Feature Photo: Sami Serrano (Awkward Eye Photography)
