Rachel Zegler Breaks Down Over Audiences’ Reaction to Her Latest Performance

Rachel Zegler’s Emotional Stage Return

Rachel Zegler has returned to the stage with her performance in the West End revival of Evita. This comeback follows a tumultuous period since her casting in Disney’s live-action Snow White, during which she faced substantial public scrutiny. In Evita, Zegler portrays the iconic role of Eva Perón, demonstrating an impressive vocal range and emotional depth that captivated audiences.

Rachel Zegler is being lauded by critics for her performance as ‘EVITA’ in Jamie Lloyd’s West End revival.

“Zegler is phenomenal” – @guardian

“Rachel Zegler is astonishing” – @TheStage

“A tour de force” – @LondonTheatrer1

“Zegler is jaw-droppingly good and ‘that’ balcony… pic.twitter.com/T6qvCE33KY

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) July 1, 2025

During her recent performances, Zegler has elicited enthusiastic responses marked by prolonged standing ovations. She nearly collapsed on stage at one point, visibly moved by the audience’s fervent appreciation. Critics have noted her talent extensively, with remarks like “Zegler is phenomenal” and “a tour de force” circulating through prominent media outlets. Her emotional connection with the audience was profound, revealing her growth as a performer.

Background of the Snow White Controversy

Zegler’s rise to stardom has not been without its challenges. Shortly after her casting was announced, her role in Disney’s Snow White became a controversial focal point. Many perceived the casting and changes to the beloved classic as indicative of a “woke” agenda, prompting significant backlash from some fans. The studio’s decision to replace the traditional seven dwarfs with new “magical creatures” further fueled the criticism.

Additionally, Zegler’s candid comments about the original animated film—describing it as “weird” and labeling Prince Charming as a “stalker”—added to the public’s discontent. These remarks and other controversial statements painted her as a divisive figure during the film’s promotional period. Ultimately, the backlash delayed the film’s release, resulting in ballooning production costs exceeding $270 million, alongside a box office failure that saw losses exceeding $100 million for Disney.

Critical Reception of Evita

In stark contrast to her experience with Snow White, the reception of Zegler’s performance in Evita has been overwhelmingly positive. The traditionally reserved British theatergoers have shown her enthusiastic support, a notable shift in audience behavior. Zegler’s ability to evoke emotion was particularly highlighted during her rendition of “You Must Love Me,” where she connected deeply with attendees.

Rachel Zegler breaks down in tears after getting cheered for her West End performance in Evita.

Her role in the theatre production comes months after she was blamed for Snow White’s disastrous performance at the box office.

pic.twitter.com/XPtMhEyasz

— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) June 30, 2025

Critics have praised Zegler for her emotional depth as Eva Perón, emphasizing her capability to express vulnerability and ambition throughout the production. The Hollywood Reporter noted that she is “now fully unleashed” as a performer, with significant growth observed in her ability to convey emotion and narrative through her performance.

Future Opportunities Ahead

With Zegler’s triumphant performance in Evita, her career prospects have brightened. The critical acclaim and audience appreciation she has recently garnered suggest a potential resurgence in her popularity and public perception. Her emotional connection to her role and the rapturous response from the audience indicate that she may have found her true calling in live theater.

As speculation mounts regarding her future in both theatrical and film endeavors, many anticipate a shift in her career trajectory. Following the warmth of her reception in Evita, Zegler may be well-positioned to explore more significant theatrical roles while possibly reviving her film career. The recognition she has achieved through this production is a powerful reminder of her artistry and ability to overcome past controversies.

Overall, Rachel Zegler’s emotional return to the stage illustrates her resilience and highlights the transformative nature of her talent. With her performances in Evita, she has successfully begun to reshape public perception, paving the way for new opportunities in a career that has faced considerable hurdles.