Rachel Zegler’s Evita forced to change iconic balcony scene over gun fears

The iconic balcony scene that saw Rachel Zegler perform part of Evita over the streets of London won’t be recreated in New York due to concerns over gun violence.

Last year the American actress, 24, gained critical acclaim for her starring role in the West End production – in which she played Eva Perón, the second wife of the Argentine president Juan Perón.

She also recently won the Laurence Olivier Award for best actress in a musical, also referencing the part of the show in which she left the theatre to perform Don’t Cry for Me Argentina on a balcony as people gathered on the street underneath to catch a glimpse.

During her speech Rachel said it was ‘the honour of a lifetime singing to people on Argyll Street eight times a week’ at the London Palladium.

‘I can’t believe I got so lucky as to sing in front of thousands of you. And it’s so beautiful that Jamie Lloyd made such an accessible moment of theatre for people to walk by and witness something really cool.’

After a 12-week run of the show in London last year, it was announced this week that Evita would be staged on Broadway next year.

However, the show’s beloved balcony scene won’t be recreated.

Speaking to USA Today Andrew Lloyd Webber – who created the music for the show, which first hit the stage in 1978 – explained the performance would be too risky in New York due to gun violence in the United States.

‘The one thing that absolutely cannot happen is what we did in London on the balcony,’ he said.

‘We can’t do that in New York. I mean, something awful could happen. We have gun laws in Britain.’

But he teased another plan was currently being discussed for Broadway crowds.

‘When we started discussing a New York production, it became apparent that our Palladium staging of Don’t Cry for Me Argentina would not be possible, but I am really excited to explore a new idea, made especially for Broadway.’

After it was confirmed the iconic scene would be unable to be replicated in the US, many people expressed their disappointment.

‘Truly sad world we live in that we can’t witness a generational talent like Rachel Zegler belt and deliver a showstopping performance on the balcony simply because it’s nutcases that really would try to shoot her and end her life,’ user Cash posted on X.

‘Them having to change a key part of the show because people could shoot her in the US is literally insane btw,’ Soph shared.

‘How sad that US can’t have such an amazing piece because they’re scared a lunatic will shoot her. How is anyone okay with that?’ M declared.

‘I loved the balcony performances but unfortunately it is just not safe or feasible for NYC. Very interested to see what they do for Broadway,’ Gracie wrote.

Meanwhile B said not having the balcony scene ‘breaks with the entire purpose’. The working class and workers CANNOT be represented by those who are inside the theatre. I hope they fix it.’

However, others posited that Rachel might instead be screened singing in Times Square as an alternative.

Evita chronicles the life and times of Perón, including her origins, rise to fame, political career and untimely death.

After initially being made as a rock opera concert album, it debuted on the West End in 1978 and starred Elaine Page. The following year it transferred to Broadway and starred Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin. It was also adapted into a 1996 film starring Madonna.

When announcing the show would be back on Broadway next year, Andrew said it was ‘so exciting to see the work reimagined in new ways’, adding the show ‘has a generational talent’ in Rachel.

‘I can’t wait for American audiences to experience a production which took the West End by storm,’ he added.

Meanwhile Rachel said: ‘Performing Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s brilliant show in London was a dream come true, but being able to partner once again with Jamie to bring Evita to Broadway is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  I can’t wait to perform for my home, New York City.’

After the interest in seeing Rachel perform on the balcony saw thousands descend to the streets outside the Palladium last year, Andrew admitted he was ‘a little bit worried it might get out of hand’.

‘But I don’t know, you just hope it doesn’t become such a big thing that we’re not allowed to do it,’ he said during an appearance on Good Morning Britain.

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