SAN ANTONIO – Students at the North East School of the Arts debuted their production of the musical "EVITA" on Thursday.
The musical, created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, is the story of Argentine political leader Eva Peron, the wife of Argentine dictator Juan Peron.
NESA student Emily Edwards said Peron's story opens doors for strong female roles in theater.
"There's just not many roles like that in theater for women, especially. So, it's really interesting to get to be such a powerful, real person," she said.
The production has been in the works since the first day of school.
Dance, instrumental music, orchestra and visual arts students teamed up to work on the play.
David Connelly, an acting teacher at NESA, said the rigorous curriculum at the school, along with hands-on experience on performances like EVITA, helps prepare students for careers in theater.
"Our kids have to succeed if they want to remain in our program," he said. "We don't expect them to become artists. We want them to become successful young adults and go on to achieve whatever they want in life."
Performances at the Lee High School Theater are scheduled for weekends through Nov. 12. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Lee High School Theatre box office or on the school's website.
For more information, visit the school's website.