This revival of one of the great musicals palpably hits the mark. Directed by Arthur Laurents, who wrote the original book, West Side Story thrills and moves one. As is well known, this remake of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" contains the same emotional highs and lows of the original; however, it has been transplanted to contemporary New York's Upper West Side. Here, two rival gangs, the American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks duke it out, with life-threatening "rumbles" interfering with lovers Maria (Josefina Scaglione) and Tony (Matt Cavenaugh) in their quest for a deep and lasting relationship.
Of course, with Leonard Bernstein's magnificent music infused with Stephen Sondheim's terrific lyrics, it's hard to go wrong. Adding to the mix, Jerome Robbins's superb original choreography has been reproduced by Joey McKneely, who has mounted numerous productions of the show throughout the world.
Spicing up this production is the use of the Spanish language, when the Puerto Rican characters are solely with each other. Responsible for these translations is Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the recent, well-received musical, In the Heights. Even if one doesn't understand Spanish, the intent is clear, as in numbers such as "Siento Hermosa" and "Un Hombre Asi," formerly "I Feel Pretty" and "A Boy Like That," in the original version. For viewers who want more specific input, the printed program contains the lyrics in English.
The tremendous appeal of the show arguably lies in its mix of excitement, romance, humor, and a soupcon of violence, the latter usually represented in dance form. Tony tenderly serenades Maria in a contemporary balcony scene with the song, "Maria." Another romantic number is Tony and Maria's melodic duet, "Tonight." In the neighborhood drug store, Riff the Jet leader (Cody Green), and the group of Jet Boys and Jet Girls, display "Cool."
A show-stopper is "America," sung and danced by the characters Anita, Rosalia and the Shark Girls. The Anita of Karen Olivo, who recently appeared in In the Heights, exudes fire and passion. Broadway newcomer Josefina Scaglione, who hails from Buenos Aires, Argentina, was found after an exhaustive international search for the role of Maria. Trained as an opera singer, Ms Scaglione's lovely soprano enhances her personal quality of youthful purity. With her vis-à-vis Matt Cavenaugh displaying a fine singing voice and a sensitive demeanor, this couple wins the audience.
Others in the cast who help make this an outstanding production are Venezuelan-born/U.S.-transplanted George Akram as Shark leader Bernardo; Steve Bassett as Lt. Shrank; Lee Sellars as Officer Krupke; and the marvelous singer/dancers too numerous to list.
It's a show that's almost constantly in motion, and for that one can thank the late Jerome Robbins, who originally conceived of West Side Story (it was first produced on Broadway in 1957) and whose extraordinary choreography makes it crackle.
With set designer James Youmans, costume designer David C. Woolard and lighting designer Howell Binkley making their contributions, West Side Story should be with us for a very long time. And thanks again to the 91-year-young director/librettist Arthur Laurents for making it possible.
