Washington, DC  –  GALA Hispanic Theatre is pleased to announce that its commissioned musical theater production, Momia en el closet: The Return of Eva Perón, has received five Helen Hayes Awards nominations in four different categories: Outstanding Resident Musical; Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical, Laura Conforte (Argentina); Outstanding Choreography in a Resident Production, Carina Losano (Argentina); The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical, book by Gustavo Ott (Venezuela); and The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical, conceived and composed by Mariano Vales (Argentina).

Momia en el closet: The Return of Eva Perón, directed by Mariano Caligaris, was developed and workshopped in Washington, DC and Argentina last year.  The show had its world premiere in June 2009 as part of GALA’s 33^rd season and was an immediate popular success.  This musical comedy, filled with references to the dark history of Argentina, follows Eva Perón’s tumultuous “life” after her death while her perfectly preserved cadaver is moved from town to town around the world, creating political intrigue, mass demonstrations, secret love affairs, and a mysterious assassination.  Driven by a poetic script and the sensual rhythms of tango, waltz, and salsa, the production unites historical reality and fiction, thereby revealing the intense love between Evita and the working class as well as her fascinating spiritual power as Argentina’s most venerated figure.

“It’s a great honor for us that this innovative production has been recognized by the prestigious Helen Hayes Awards in various categories,” commented the artistic director and founder of GALA Hispanic Theatre, Hugo Medrano.  “I believe that this new work commissioned by GALA contributes greatly to the development and creation of authentic Latin-American musical theatre,” continues Medrano.  “Traditionally, Latin-American theatres have imported North-American musical productions.  With Momia we hope to forge new paths.  We congratulate all of our nominees.”

The Helen Hayes Awards, which are given annually, are the highest form of recognition for professional theatre in the area.  In addition to awards, the organization also carries out educational and cultural activities, research, marketing, and other support programs for local theatres throughout the year.  The production of GALA’s Momia en el closet: The Return of Eva Perón was made possible with the support of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and PEPCO.

For more information about GALA, visit www.galatheatre.org