While doing research in Buenos Aires for the 2006 West End revival of "Evita", an employee of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group saw Elena Roger (born October 27, 1974, Buenos Aires, Argentina) perform and suggested her for the title role of the show. After several rounds of auditions, Roger was cast as Eva Perón and performed the role to much critical acclaim. She was nominated for a 2007 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance at the Adelphi Theatre. Roger next appeared on the London stage as Gabriella in the hit production of "Boeing-Boeing", directed by Matthew Warchus at the Comedy Theatre. In 2008, Roger played the title role in the Donmar Warehouse's production of "Piaf" and once again received rave reviews. The show eventually transferred to the larger Vaudeville Theatre, and Roger won the 2009 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She subsequently toured internationally with "Piaf" including a stop in her hometown of Buenos Aires. During her time back in Buenos Aires, she revived her performance in "Mina...che cosa sei?" for a brief run. From September 10th through November 21st, 2010, Roger starred as Fosca in a revival of the Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine musical "Passion" for a limited engagement at the Donmar Warehouse. On February 7, 2011, it was announced that Roger was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award as Best Actress in a Musical for the third time for her work in this role.
Roger returned to the role of Eva Perón in a new Broadway revival of "Evita" with previews beginning in March 2012 and an opening night in April at the Marquis Theatre. The production is directed by Michael Grandage, choreographed by Rob Ashford, and also stars Ricky Martin as Che and Broadway veteran Michael Cerveris as Juan Perón. Reviews said "Roger is an outstanding actress" and had "plenty of the star quality Evita sings about."
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