Zegler performs "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" live on the London Palladium balcony during an earlier 'Evita' production. Belinda Jiao/Getty Images Share on Facebook Share on X Share to Flipboard Send an Email Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Print the Article Post a Comment Rachel Zegler is returning to her starring role in Evita on Friday after making an unexpected exit during her Thursday night performance. The actress, who is performing in her London stage debut as former first lady of Argentina Eva Perón in director Jamie Lloyd's revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, exited the stage during the show's Thursday evening performance, due to illness. According to People magazine, Zegler's departure was announced during the show's intermission. Understudy Bella Brown reportedly stepped in for Zegler for Act 2 and received a standing ovation that lasted nearly five minutes. Related Stories Business A Chat With Imax's CEO On How Global Box Office Dynamics Are Shifting TV Freddie Highmore Is Back to His British Roots (and Loving It) in 'The Assassin' "Today really showed just how important swings and covers are within this industry," Brown wrote in an Instagram Story. "They are pillars of a show!! A proud day to be at Evita." Despite having stepped away from the Thursday show, Zegler was scheduled to return and perform Friday evening, her rep confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. Evita is currently scheduled to run until Sept. 6 in London. The production opened on July 1. "I can honestly say that the sheer amount of talent in the building each day is enough to blow the roof off. and we do. eight times a week," Zegler wrote on Instagram when the show opened. "I never thought i would get to live my dream this way, surrounded by the most amazing people. I feel so held." For the show, Zegler leaves the Soho theater to perform "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" on the exterior balcony, which has become a new spectacle for onlookers hoping to catch a glimpse of the performance and has been commonly featured in viral social media videos. THR's review of the show said of the performance, "The number is brilliantly conceived and executed, a genuine goosebump moment." The original Evita, which featured music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, centers on the life of Argentine political leader Perón, the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up Wicked: For Good New 'Wicked' Brand Collabs Fly in Ahead of November's 'Wicked: For Good' Release shopping The Best Paramount+ Subscription Deals and Free Offers for Streaming 'South Park,' Yellowstone' and More shopping 'Severance' Star John Turturro Is a Regular Cab-Hailing New Yorker In His First Samsonite Travel Campaign Travel The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles Debuts Five-Star Beauty Room Service Ahead of the 2025 Emmys Social Impact Summit More Than Cosplay: 'Ghostbusters' Fans Answer the Call to Do Good Social Impact Summit Hollywood Flashback: When Paul Newman Made Doing Good Delicious Wicked: For Good New 'Wicked' Brand Collabs Fly in Ahead of November's 'Wicked: For Good' Release shopping The Best Paramount+ Subscription Deals and Free Offers for Streaming 'South Park,' Yellowstone' and More shopping 'Severance' Star John Turturro Is a Regular Cab-Hailing New Yorker In His First Samsonite Travel Campaign Travel The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles Debuts Five-Star Beauty Room Service Ahead of the 2025 Emmys Social Impact Summit More Than Cosplay: 'Ghostbusters' Fans Answer the Call to Do Good Social Impact Summit Hollywood Flashback: When Paul Newman Made Doing Good Delicious