Director: Joey McKneely.
Starring: Katie Hall, Louis Maskell, Djalenga Scott, Javier Cid, Jack Wilcox.
Synopsis: Based on Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story is set on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and explores the rivalry between two teenage gangs, one white, the other Puerto Rican. When Tony falls in love with Maria – the sister of the rival gang’s leader, the feud takes on a new dimension, and as their love blossoms so begins a fatal journey overshadowed by violence and hatred.
The story and music of West Side Story is a well known timeless classic and therefore any production has a lot to live up to. This one impresses from the moment the curtain is raised.
The musical is a fantastic West End show, staged and reviewed at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking, and each act has the audience wanting and waiting to see more. The opening dance scene is a vibrant energetic introduction to a fabulous evening, displaying the shows stunning choreography, the skill and talent of the cast to full effect.
The leaders of the two street gangs are brilliantly cast with Bernardo and Riff played by Javier Cis and Jack Wilcox respectively, showing the qualms and foibles of their gangs. The musical number ‘Gee Officer Krupe’ highlights these and gives some light-hearted relief as the tension between the Jets and the Sharks (also known as the PRs short for Puerto Ricans) is palpable through out the show.
Anita (Djalenga Scott) is full of passion for love and life and this is especially demonstrated in the song ‘America’. Her relationship with Bernado is all consuming. This enables her to have an insight into Maria’s relationship with Tony. Scott’s brilliant vocal range makes her songs absolute show stoppers.
Tony (Louis Maskell) has stepped away from the Jets. Riff relies on Tony’s ties and sense of loyalty to the gang to get his support when dealing with the increasingly tense relations between the Sharks and the Jets. Maria (Katie Hall) compliments Tony’s role beautifully, as she journeys through their brief, passionate love affair.
The set design is very versatile and the space is well used, most of the scenes are based on the streets of Upper West Side, New York, but it easily and seamlessly becomes a bridal boutique, bar or bedroom as needed. The costumes of the Sharks are vibrant with Latin influence. The Jets are more subtle but are easily identifiable.
There are dark moments in this production as is expected from a musical that tackles the theme of deprived lives on the streets of New York. It is a superb show that is an excellent evening’s entertainment and you are humming the well loved tunes as you leave.
A show that is not to be missed.
[usr=4] West Side Story was reviewed at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking where it plays until 1st March, 2014. The UK tour continues until August, 2014. For more information, visit the official website.
