West Side Story

West Side Story performed by Musical Youth Theatre Stafford at the Gatehouse Theatre, Wednesday 9th to Saturday 12th July.

Wow! What a performance! I could end my review there, but you might want a little more information.

I am always a little on edge when youth groups take on shows with such adult themes and tonight was no different. Love, gangs, murder– you can’t get much more adult than that! However, MYTs did a very good job and the performance was handled with confidence and maturity.

 A scaffolding structure at the back of the stage was the simple but effective backdrop for the show and all of the scenes were then created in front using props and furniture. I must commend the stage crew at this point, as the scene changes were handled with a quick efficiency that enabled the show to flow. West Side Story always conjures up images of the gang members running, climbing and scaling fences, I do wonder if the scaffolding structure could have been used more to create this effect (Although I fear, health and safety might have been a consideration!)

The costumes gave a good indication of the era and place. The difference between the jets, the sharks and their supporters worked well. My only issue would be the ‘men’ wearing Jazz shoes as normal shoes. I partly understand the reason why but they really don’t give the right feel. I would have liked to have seen pumps and trainers for the Americans, smart lace up shoes for the Puerto Ricans.

The lighting was used to good effect, creating just the right atmosphere and mood. The balance was good and the sound was clear. I loved the fact that the microphones were always up at the correct time (A little thing, but it was much appreciated and is not always achieved).The whole show was directed and choreographed to great effect and the orchestra could not be faulted.

There were many excellent performances by these young actors and I will name just a few. Maria, played by Holly Musgrave, was beautiful and sang effortlessly through some very difficult, and very high, musical passages. I loved the animation of her first scene with Anita and the accent was just enough and maintained throughout. Becky Lyle gave a very sexy and fiery performance as Anita, playing the humour to great effect and after Bernado was killed, Becky effectively handled the range of emotions from loss to anger to resignation. The boys, particularly the Jets, did a fantastic job and what a joy it was to see them all conquer some very tricky choreography. Riff, Alistair Peet, did a brilliant job and performed with confidence and style. Josh Russell, as Tony gave a very controlled and mature performance.

I was shocked during the curtain calls as to how many children were in the show and how little I saw of most of them, which seemed a shame. I understand the difficulty of ‘shoe-horning’ people into scenes where they have not been scripted to be, but it seemed that only a small percentage of the talent and enthusiasm of the group was used during this show.

Overall I had a fantastic evening watching and listening to a very talented group of youngsters.

Rachel Millar

NODA Representative

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