It is a dream come true for Keira, who now lives in Dee Why.

"I'm ecstatic to be cast as Eva. I wanted this role more than I've wanted any other."

The production, being staged by the Manly Musical Society, follows the rise of Eva Peron from the slums of Argentina to her appointment as First Lady.

"Eva is more often than not seen as a heroine, a saint, the voice of the people but I've enjoyed exploring the other side of her," said Keira.

"She's said herself, 'My biggest fear in life is to be forgotten'.

"In the musical there are a few scenes, songs and quotes that have stood out to me that suggest she's power hungry and uses her sexuality to climb the ladder.

"She thrives on fame and attention and that drove her to become the First Lady of Argentina. This in itself is really impressive in a world dominated by men.

"She managed to find a way to out-play them."

Keira explains that Eva clearly has a strong resentment toward the middle class who deprived her of so much during her childhood.

"I feel she has a vendetta against them, resulting in her taking from the rich and giving to the poor or the "shirtless ones" as she calls them.

"She wasn't educated and had no idea how to run a country, but she was passionate and compelling and you couldn't help but love her or love to hate her.

"Either way, she was a commanding and formidable force.

"I have questioned if Eva ever really cared about the people or if she did this for the fame and power she desired. But I have come to the conclusion that she saw herself in the people and although she did intend to help them, she absolutely used them to propel her into a position of ultimate power all the while having her set above them, thus helping herself.

"Regardless of all this, I admire this woman and love that I have been given the opportunity to portray such a fiery, passionate and intriguing woman who is such a beloved historical figure."

Keira's love of the stage began as a four-year-old when her parents enrolled her in ballet.

Growing up in the Manning, her passion for singing, acting and dance grew and "I came to crave the energy and thrill of a live audience", resulting in her love of performing musical theatre.

"Over time I have been awarded a nomination for the Hollywood Music in Media Awards for "Best Female Vocalist", crowned the "John Laws Rising Star" and recorded an original album with Sony BMG.

She has performed for the late Dame Joan Sutherland and has played many roles over the years including Florence in Chess, Mabel in Pirates of Penzance, Sandy in Grease (Taree Arts Council), Maureen in Rent, April in Company, Annas in JCS, The "Yellow" Narrator in Joseph, herself in Godspell, Kit Kat Klub dancer in Cabaret, Errato the Muse of Erotica in Xanadu, Tia in Bringing the House Down and Princess Jasmine in Aladdin.

Evita opened at the Star of the Sea Theatre in Manly on Friday (November 20) and closes this Saturday (November 28).