Romance and politics never go out of...

Romance and politics never go out of style. The Whittier-La Mirada Light Opera Assn. returns for its 39th season with the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical “Evita,” which opened Friday at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

The rags-to-riches story of Eva Peron, the mistress and wife of Juan Peron, dictator of Argentina in the 1950s, has won six Drama Desk Awards, the New York Critics Circle Award and seven Tony awards, including best musical. Weber and lyricist Tim Rice collaborated on the powerful musical score that is best known for the song “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.”

Lisa Michelson will recreate her title role performance from several years ago at the Grand Dinner Theatre. David Aldrete continues his portrayal of Juan Peron and Danny Bolero will repeat the role of Che as he did for the Downey Civic Light Opera. Julie Seaborn will play the mistress and Jamie Anderson will play Magaldi. Jim Whitson, veteran performer of the Broadway performance of “Evita,” will direct this production and Susan Errickson, veteran of four “Evita” productions, will choreograph. Leo Kreter will conduct the 21-piece live orchestra under the musical direction of Jan Ritschel.

The Whittier-La Mirada Civic Light Opera will continue its 39th season with productions of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” in December, “Me and My Girl” in March and “The Sound of Music” in July. For audition information on upcoming productions, call 943-1698.

“Evita” will be performed at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. matinees today, Oct. 14 and 20. Performances end Oct. 20. Tickets are $18 and $16 for Friday and Saturday evening shows, and $17 and $15 for Thursday evenings and matinees. Student and senior citizen seats are available for all performances one hour prior to show time at half price with ID, based on seating availability. Season tickets can still be purchased through Oct. 20. For more information, call 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310.