Real-Life Broadway Couple Arianna Rosario and Omar Lopez-Cepero Star In ‘Evita’ Opening At Bay Street

“It’s 11:11, make a wish.”

Chances are you’ve heard about the superstition surrounding this numerical combination. For Broadway actors Arianna Rosario and Omar Lopez-Cepero, 11-11 followed them throughout their romantic courtship and up to their wedding date, which is, naturally, November 11.

“When we first met, we would see that number all the time,” Mr. Lopez-Cepero said. “Of course, we’ve all seen that number before, but it just seemed to pop up so much when we had met.”

However, their faith in the numbers was truly cemented on the night of their engagement. After recording the proposal on video, the couple re-watched the footage—and discovered that the clock in the background read 11:11.

“It just confirmed everything that was happening was supposed to be happening,” he said.

Now, the couple, less than four months away from their wedding, are poised to portray the tragic figures of Eva and Juan Perón, whose fates were more influenced by a fierce political movement than numerology, in Bay Street Theater’s production of “Evita.”

Mr. Lopez-Cepero is no stranger to the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice rock opera, having played Che, the show’s antagonist, in a national tour. However, Bay Street’s re-imagined production distances itself from the original by swapping out spectacle for intimacy, he said.

Rather than performing the show with a traditional narrative, director Will Pomerantz and Bay Street artistic director Scott Schwartz developed a concept to set the show in a gritty Argentinian tango club. The bar’s owner and his Perónist patrons act as a troupe retelling the legend of Evita, 10 years after the musical takes place, to honor her memory.

“I think there’s something really interesting about creating this kind of underground speakeasy vibe of a group of people that believe in something really passionately and are doing it in secret because they would be imprisoned for it,” Mr. Lopez-Cepero said.

Both he and Ms. Rosario partook in extensive research to ensure authentic performances and also a thorough understanding of what their characters lived through. Fortunately, they walked into rehearsals with established chemistry that they believe translates on stage.

“Our chemistry is real, which is great,” Ms. Rosario said. “I feel like a lot of time you’re going into a situation where you have a love interest in a show. You kind of have to build that trust and chemistry, friendship, so it can show onstage. But with us, it’s just kind of natural. It’s kind of fun to see him for the first time and fall in love with him throughout the show.”

There is also a sense of authenticity exhibited through the performances of the ensemble, which is made up of 90 percent Latino performers. “You already have people who are bringing, whether they’re Argentinian or not, their history and culture and maybe what their families have gone through,” she explained.

Additionally, the message of the production proves relevant in present-day Argentina, Ms. Rosario said. She said her fiancé came across a video of an Argentinian bar very similar to the one in their production during his research.

“There was an interview in a bar in Argentina in current day called Perón Perón,” Ms. Rosario said. “They have a shrine dedicated to Evita. They’re these Perónists who still love Perón and love Eva and really do believe in these ideals. It was kind of interesting seeing that after hearing Will’s concept and now being able to put that into a real space almost.”

The new concept is only enhanced by the show’s music and new orchestrations, Mr. Lopez-Cepero said.

“The orchestrations have been adjusted for a smaller set of musicians. It’s been infused with a little bit of a tango element, so there’s a bit of accordion built into it,” he explained. “It has a really amazing small club sound that I think is really special about this production.”

Compared to the mammoth sized original Broadway production, he said, it’s like The Rolling Stones performing at a cabaret club—in a good way.

“The original production—it’s all spectacle, with minimalism, but mostly spectacle,” he said. “There’s something about this that seems so much more clear and intimate. I find it more exciting.”

The couple anticipates audiences will share in their excitement about this innovative retelling.

“I think Bay Street has already established in a lot of ways that they bring top tier talent to Sag Harbor and I think it’s an opportunity to see Broadway-caliber performances and direction in an intimate space,” Mr. Lopez-Cepero said.

And with this production in particular, Bay Street has allowed the cast and creative team to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling that makes a statement, he said.

“Essentially, with every political movement, every political power, the greatest ideals can be corrupted and can lead down a path that doesn’t end the way you expected it to.”

“Evita” is playing in previews and will have its official opening night on Saturday, August 4, at 8 p.m. at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor. The production will continue through August 26. For tickets and showtimes, call 631-725-9500 or visit baystreet.org.