Cliff Notes – Rachel Zegler replaced during Evita interval in last second change
- Rachel Zegler performed the first half of Evita before being replaced by understudy Bella Brown for the second act, with no official reason provided for the change.
- Audience members praised Bella Brown for her performance, noting she received six curtain calls and effectively captivated the audience during the second act.
- Zegler’s portrayal of Eva Perón has garnered significant attention, particularly for her unique balcony scene, which has drawn large crowds outside the theatre.
Rachel Zegler didn’t perform the second half of Evita on Thursday night. Fans have praised Rachel Zegler’s Evita understudy as she was forced to step up halfway through Thursday’s performance.
The 24-year-old Hollywood star has been starring as Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s new production of Evita at the London Palladium and she took to the stage as normal last night.
However, during the interval audience members were informed she was being replaced by actress Bella Brown, whose entrance to the audience was the balcony scene performing Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.
She shared on her Instagram Story: ‘Today really showed just how important swings and covers are within this industry!! They are the pillars of the show!! A proud day to be at @officialevita.’
Rachel and the official Evita account are yet to comment on the change, and no reason has been given by Bella or audience members.
The cover actress, who played the Mistress in act one, wrote: ‘What a lucky audience getting to see both myself and MY ANGEL REG ZEG!! (sic)’
Bella Brown is Rachel’s understudy for Evita and did a sterling job.
Fans have praised her for stepping up after the interval
‘I really hope Rachel is all right!! Love to Bella Brown,’ wrote @Hazel2410 on X, while @dankblonde1 said: ‘I really hope Rachel Zegler is ok..’
‘Okay so mid show switch, both rachel and bella brown were UNREAL,’ tweeted @MyriadNice, as others heaped praise on Bella for stepping up.
‘Bella was an absolute joy to watch the second act, completely erased any disappointment of not seeing rachel again. She has a huge career ahead of her,’ wrote @MizHafHaf.
They added in another post: ‘It was amazing seeing Rachel tonight, but Bella Brown was SENSATIONAL. I’m actually glad we got to see her do the second act!’
And audience member @KentWomble said: ‘Well! @EvitaMusical was epic. Fantastic production. Rachel Zegler only managed the first half before her understudy Bella Brown took over after the interval and got six curtain calls at the end.’
Rachel’s run in Evita has captured the imagination of audiences, including the now-infamous creative decision for her to perform the iconic balcony scene outside the front of the theatre.
Theatregoers have watched the key moment on a screen inside the theatre, while huge crowds have gathered in the streets to witness the special moment.
Crowds have gathered outside for the balcony performance.
Andrew Lloyd Webber has heaped praise on Rachel and the balcony performance
‘Rachel Zegler is absolutely amazing in it. I’m only a little bit worried that it might get out of hand,’ Andrew Lloyd Webber recently said on Good Morning Britain.
Fans have pointed out that Jamie Lloyd’s production choice actually mirrors Eva’s kinship with the poor people in Argentina.
The iconic composer added: ‘The crowds now turning up outside the Palladium, now the audience in the theatre sees the crowd outside, and it’s kinda like the real deal.’