It seems had to imagine but it was 27 years ago that I saw my first piece of musical theatre. My good friend bought me a ticket to Evita for my 18th birthday. We got dolled up, grabbed the train into the city, had a brilliant dinner, and enjoyed the show. I've been hooked ever since.
Until last week I had never seen West Side Story performed on stage. To be honest I don't think I have seen the movie either.
I'm sure that the rest of you know the story well though . . . a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Takes place in New York in the 1950’s, and there are these two gangs: the Sharks (the Puerto Ricans) and the Jets (those who considered themselves “true Americans”). They’re fighting over a bit of land, when Tony (one of the Jets) and Maria (the brother of the head of the Sharks) fall in love. Cue soap opera storyline . . . star-crossed lovers, death, murder, tears and lots of singing, incredible dancing.
Guess what. This performance was so flawless and loving that it really was the best piece of live theatre I've seen in 27 years. AMAZING
Paul Nolan plays Tony and manages to hit the high notes. He hits the soft ones. He solos and harmonizes. He owns the stage with surprising athletic prowess. Ever look around you at a play? Ever notice the women passing around Kleenex and crying after a moving solo? No? Then go see this West Side Story.
The play is more than just Tony. Chilina Kennedy (previously at the Shaw festival) as Maria has a sweet and full voice. Her voice blends perfectly with Nolan’s in One Hand, One Heart. Her acting captures the innocence of a young girl in love for the first time. When needed, she was able to summon the anger and protectiveness over Tony’s dead body at the end of the play with convincing emotion.
The ensemble pieces and dancing are the third part of the four necessary elements for a great West Side. They nailed it here. In particular, the PR’s doing the Everything’s Great in America and the Officer Krupke bit were near perfect. The dancing was frenetic and beautiful. Just the high energy action one should expect from Jerome Robbins' original choreography which is literally built into the contract.
Anita, Bernardo’s girl also deserves mention. Anita must be able to act. She must be the anchor for Maria. She needs to be alternately a smart-ass and loving. Forgiving and vulnerable. She really needs to be able to sing and dance too. She needs it all. Jennifer Rias as Anita was perfect. We walked out feeling she could have stolen the show if she wanted. Awesome casting.
Summation? A stunning production. At the close at least 1/3 of the women around me were openly crying. Quite a few guys were sniffling. Me? I’m not admitting to anything.
Everyone leaving the show was buzzing about what they had just seen. It is no wonder that a number of theatre reviewers from NY declared this to be one of the finest productions of West Side Story - EVER!
Fantastic review...
I am not sure you have taken a peak at next year's season, but the director of West Side Story- Gary Griffin- will be back to direct (wait for it...)
Evita!
Posted by: Jenny | September 24, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Sounds wonderful, I love musicals.
I'm looking forward to seeing The Drowsy Chaperone in a few weeks here at the NAC. I'm likely the last person in North America to see it!
Posted by: sandrac | September 24, 2009 at 05:07 PM
Love musical ever since I was a kid and my dad took me to see "Flower Drum Song". I'm glad to read such a rave review. How lucky for you to see such a great production.
Posted by: Barb Cabot | September 24, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Wowe Jenny - i hadn't heard that. I know what next year's birthday gift will be.
Nah Sandra - we haven't seen it either.
It was a treat Barb to be sure.
Posted by: JDeQ | September 27, 2009 at 07:07 AM
As many of Musicals lovers I LOVE West Side Story! It is my favourite ever... Last year I’ve been in NY & I tried to get my ticket …guess what everything was sold out that show how great the show is. Anyhow I end up getting it from a site through Ticketsinventory.com. I’m planning to see it again this so I will just get tickets from the same place
http://www.ticketsinventory.com/theatre/west-side-story-tickets/
So I'll be analyzing as well as enjoying the show.
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