Don't cry for these three readers who've won themselves a 15th anniversary Evita Blu-Ray. I asked contestants to submit a photo of themselves in the famous arm(s) up Evita pose if they weren't shy. It was super fun to read the stories of Evita moviegoing and musical obsession, so a big thanks to everyone who participated. I wish I had dozens more copies to give away.
The winners, drawn randomly, go like so...
TFE Reader Brian on the actual Casa Rosada !
Winner #1 BRIAN, NEW YORK
I had the privilege of traveling to South America last year, and in a two-week trip filled with "money shots" (Machu Picchu, Rio, etc.), the attached photo is probably the champ. It was taken of me on the actual balcony at the Casa Rosada. (Madonna popularized the neighboring balcony, inaccessible to tourists, but Eva used both.) I mean, come on. How much better does it get for an Evita/Madonna fan? I still get chills thinking about approaching that balcony.
-Brian
Wow! I never thought when I asked for photos that I'd get a real Casa Rosada shot for posting. Well done, Brian.
Winner #2 ROBERT, UTAH
I remember it was cold and snowing a little, and the line stretched out into the parking lot. Evita was important for me because it was when I fell in love with Madonna. Of course I had sort of followed her career, but I was young (12 in 1996) and I didn't really get into her until I got the soundtrack. As a kid I loved musicals and musical theater, so this was like crack. The curtains opened, the audience fell silent and they were enraptured for the next 2+ hours. I saw it two more times.
It's also just a very special memory with my family. That Christmas was ALL Evita ALL the time. My friends and I would stage "Buenos Aires" or "Another Suitcase" or "Don't cry for me Argentina" in my garage. Great times.
Winner #3 ALAN, CALIFORNIA
I was living in London in the 70s and was one of the lucky theater goers to first see Evita. London went wild over Elaine Page when she brought Evita back to life. I love both the theater and film versions. Madonna most captures the look and essence of Evita. Listening to the score always transports me back to that London night and the magic of Evita and Buenos Aires.
Congratulations to the winners!