Rachel Zegler’s Evita Eyes Swift Broadway Transfer After London Success

London’s theater scene is buzzing with excitement, and Broadway might be next in line for more magic. The current performance by Rachel Zegler in the West End revival of “Evita” has already prompted discussions among theater insiders about a potential Broadway transfer, with director Jamie Lloyd expressing his eagerness to bring the production to New York as early as 2026. The “West Side Story” star has been captivating audiences at London’s Palladium with her portrayal of Eva Perón in the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical.

Lloyd isn’t interested in waiting around for the typical timeline that often sees successful West End productions take years to reach Broadway. “I would love for it to go straight away,” he told Deadline, emphasizing his preference for an early 2026 opening rather than the 2027 timeline some connected to the show prefer.

Rice, the musical’s lyricist, shares Lloyd’s enthusiasm for a quick Broadway move. “We’re not getting any younger are we?” Rice told the outlet, nodding toward his longtime collaborator, Lloyd Webber, whom he has known for more than six decades.

The production has already become a London sensation, with its innovative staging capturing attention both inside and outside the theater. Lloyd has confirmed that he already has advisors scouting Broadway venues, with Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals set to produce the Broadway transfer alongside his Jamie Lloyd Company.

Balcony Scene Creates Buzz

One of the production’s most talked-about moments occurs when Zegler performs “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” from the Palladium’s balcony to crowds exceeding 1,000 people gathered in the street below. Cameras film the scene live and broadcast it to audiences inside the theater, creating a unique theatrical experience that has become a viral social media phenomenon.

“The balcony scene is in the fabric of the production, and it’s so specific for me in terms of charting the emotional and psychological journey of the role,” Lloyd explained to Deadline. He explained that the staging choice isn’t merely a gimmick but serves a deeper purpose in the storytelling.

However, recreating this spectacular moment on Broadway presents logistical challenges. Lloyd acknowledges the complexities of staging such a scene in New York, noting: “You can imagine the logistics of doing that in New York. Everything in New York is bigger and bolder so if the crowd here is in excess of 1,000 a night what’s it going to be like over there?”

The director plans to work closely with the mayor’s office when the time comes to ensure safety while creating “a big event for New York in the way that it’s become a big event for London and for British theater,” he told the publication.

Critical Acclaim and Star Power

The production has garnered largely positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for Zegler’s performance. Time Out London’s Andrzej Lukowski called the balcony performance “the biggest news to come out of the theatre world in years,” while The Independent’s Alice Saville described Zegler as “enthralling” throughout the show.

Lloyd Webber himself has been effusive in his praise for the young star. He believes Zegler “is going to have one of the greatest careers” and describes her as potentially “that very rare beast” who conquers both stage and screen, according to Deadline.

Zegler has expressed her own excitement about the possibility of performing the role in her hometown. “I would love to do the show in New York. To do anything where you’re from is a real gift,” she told the outlet.

The audience’s response to the revival has moved the actress, who recently starred in “Romeo + Juliet” on Broadway opposite Kit Connor. “I don’t think I ever considered Evita would be considered so chic. It was a niche thing to love when I was a kid. To see young people show up in hoards everyday is amazing,” she shared.

Rosie O’Donnell, a Broadway veteran, posted her own enthusiastic review on Instagram, writing: “I am so moved I need a day to find the right words. She is just unreal.”

The current London run at the Palladium spans 12 weeks, and the venue cannot extend it beyond this time. Following the production’s conclusion, Zegler will film “She Gets It from Me” with Marisa Tomei, directed by Julia von Heinz.