Rachel Zegler, 24, abruptly left the Thursday evening performance of Evita at the London Palladium due to illness.
Her understudy, Bella Brown, stepped in for the second act, opening with “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” Brown’s performance was met with a nearly five-minute standing ovation and 10 curtain calls.
Understudy Shines in the Spotlight
Taking to Instagram, Brown praised the importance of understudies in live theater, calling it “a proud day to be at Evita.” She also shared her excitement about performing alongside Zegler earlier in the day, who had completed the matinee performance before exiting the evening show.
Zegler’s West End Debut and Fan Reactions
Zegler is set to star as Eva Perón through September 6 in a production directed by Jamie Lloyd. The Snow White actress had previously called the role a lifelong dream, sharing memories of singing the show’s iconic songs with her father.
Some audience members have expressed frustration over a staging decision that places Zegler outside on a balcony during “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” forcing ticket holders to watch via livestream. While some deemed it a “rip off,” others praised the symbolism of Evita singing to the public from the streets.
Romance Offstage
Offstage, Zegler has been seen with dancer Nathan Louis-Fernand. The two were spotted kissing in Hyde Park and attending a Sabrina Carpenter concert together. Louis-Fernand, a former Magic Mike Live performer, shared flirty exchanges with Zegler on social media.
Controversies and Career Challenges
Zegler’s Evita run follows a rocky year. Her portrayal of Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake drew backlash after she criticized Trump voters and called the original film “dated.” Reports also alleged tension with co-star Gal Gadot over political disagreements. The film underperformed, with an estimated $115 million loss.
For more on Zegler’s and other celebrities, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.