West Side Story

This is a well-loved show, remembered for the subject matter and relevance, its rhythmical music and emotional interpretation and energy. The music for this production, led by Peter Blackwood, was very well done, setting the scene of angst and energy at a very high level yet following the singers when required. There were cello, keyboard and flute solo sections that I had not heard before. The sound was particularly good and well balanced.

The set was hired in and adjusted to fit the stage. This may have been why it looked a little cramped for space at times, especially during the big group numbers. However, good use was made of the space available. I liked the ladders and metal gates used to access the stage at the beginning, and the use of the two balconies for the later scenes. Here the set gave a nice balance between the gritty streets, the small scenes and Doc’s spacious shop. I also liked the drop for the party scene – this was very effective.

The lighting for the production was good, although the downstage right area was often in shadow. Changes in lighting effects were smooth and well orchestrated, with spots and cross-stage lights creating some stunning visual effects. The management of the stage was very good, with efficient scene changes and nice cameos of the shop, bedroom and cellar. The co-ordination with the lighting was very well done.

The choreography by Sammy Farrell was a great addition to the classic production. The high-energy dance routines looked very good, demonstrating good discipline in timing and movements.  This also showed the great benefit of having a mainly young cast – they moved really well! 

The costumes were appropriate I felt for the back streets of New York, the setting of the show. The girls’ different culture groups were obvious, where they used their skirts really well in the dance routines. The guys were more similarly dressed however, making it difficult at times to distinguish between the groups of Jets and Sharks.

I gather that the director, Tristan Carter, wanted to bring out the darker side to the story, by using shadows, harsh spots and less general brightness onstage. This was very successful. The only problem here was that the audience was left struggling to see who was who at times. The general atmosphere of dinginess and threat was well conveyed by the combined elements of the show despite the visual disruption of the continual (and at times, unnecessary) haze/smoke drifting across the stage, even in indoor scenes. 

The whole, mostly young cast were very well rehearsed and their discipline on stage was remarkable. The movement, singing and dance were very well done. There was good characterisation by everyone, with a wide variety of reactions, body language and expression. The main characters were all highly believable in their roles and relationships.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable evening of entertainment at a very high level of performance.

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