Evita is the passionate and unforgettable true story of Eva Peron, who used her charisma and determination to rise from poverty in rural Argentina to become the wife of the Argentine dictator Juan Peron.

Eva was adored by the Argentinian people as the champion of the poor but the woman, who was eventually considered the spiritual leader of the South American nation, had another side to her.

Her greed and ruthless ambition made her the enemy of the military and bourgeoisie in Argentina.

A beloved Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, as well as an Oscar-winning film starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, Evita features some of the best loved songs in theatre including Don't Cry for Me Argentina, Another Suitcase in Another Hall and High Flying Adored.

The Roo Theatre's production of Evita has a cast of more than 30 and stars two of the Illawarra's talented leading ladies, Jennifer Gray and Jessica Howells, who share the demanding role of Eva Peron.

Robbie Fernandez plays Che, Josif Jovanovski is Juan Peron, Ondine Manfrin is the Mistress and Will Worthington plays Augustin Magaldi.

Director Veronica Dzelde said she is looking forward to bringing the renowned production to Shellharbour.

"When I started to prepare to direct Evita, I realised that there is a whole generation of theatregoers who have never seen Evita on-stage," she said.

"It is a privilege to be able to bring this celebrated musical back to the Illawarra stage after 20 years."

Evita will run at the Roo Theatre from February 13-28.

Tickets are available at roo-theatre.com.au or by phone on 4297 2891.