Motoring, Arts & LeisureTheatreTheatre Reviews'West Side Story'......and what a story! 'West Side Story'......and what a story!
By Kate Morley - 02/07/2009
West Side Story changed the course of musical theatre when it opened on Broadway in 1957and it remains one of the most successful stage shows of all time.
Now, to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, the original Broadway classic is being re-staged in the UK. Directed and choreographed afresh by Joey McKneely - former assistant to Jerome Robbins – West Side Story played for 6 sell-out weeks in London’s Sadler’s Wells last summer before embarking on a UK tour in September 2008.
From the moment the curtain goes up, this production is mesmerizing. Bernstein’s complex and dazzling score needs no introduction and the musical numbers are performed with great energy from this talented cast. Daniel Koek in the lead role of Tony is superb, with excellent vocals, and the chemistry between him and his co-star Sofia Escobar as Maria works beautifully. And as for Sofia herself, she is simply captivating; her girlish frame lending itself perfectly to the youthfulness of the role and yet belying the power of her voice and her emotional output in the later scenes. The two leads are well supported too; Jay
de Westaby capturing just the right balance of spirited sensuousness in her portrayal of Anita – without being too ‘tarty’ (as the role is so often played). The interaction between Anita and Maria is excellent – the move from anger to tenderness in ‘A Boy Like That/ I Have a Love’ is particularly moving and reinforced well by stage direction by Joey McKneely.
Obviously, you can’t discuss West Side Story without mentioning the dancing and (apart from the slight criticism that the boys could have been tighter on a couple of occasions) the dance numbers in this production were stunning; Joey McNeely has captured all the essence of Jerome Robbins’ original choreography and given it a fresher, more modern edge. Particularly note-worthy is the ballet sequence – a scene that could have so easily become mawkish, but managed perfectly to convey hope, longing and despair.
This production also boasts great staging with a striking set and superb lighting, and the use of the huge screen at the back of the stage is particularly effective at creating depth.
When West Side Story was originally created, its focus on racial tensions and gang warfare represented a turning point in American Musical Theatre. Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, it is a sobering thought that issues that were relevant 400 years ago still resonate today, and this production doesn’t shy away from this aspect of the musical – making the brutal knife attacks and the rape of Anita by the Jets uncomfortable viewing.
All in all, this is the best production of West Side Story I’ve seen – don’t miss it!
West Side Story is at the Bristol Hippodrome until 11th July 2009. For more information, visit the website below. For more tour dates, visit the second link below.