West Side Story - School Edition

West Side Story is based on the timeless story of Romeo & Juliet but that apart it has become one of the most memorable musicals of the last century.  West Side Story is powerful, poignant and embraces all the emotions of the period.  It is hard enough for adults to get to the heart of the story but for young people one would have thought it nigh on impossible.  The Perins cast showed how well prepared they had been in the intensity with which they carried out their roles.

The night I attended it was a supper show beginning at 6.00 and embracing picnic suppers in the interval.  Bracing was probably a better word in that the heavens opened.  Nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of both cast and audience who returned for the second act.  Front of house was very well organised with several marshalls to ensure everyone was in their place on time.The Grange at Northington is the backdrop for this newly refurbished theatre - a 20th century opera house in a 19th century mansion and landscape park. 

The professionally prepared programme is a wonderful memento of the production particularly for cast members and their families.The photos of rehearsals and preparations will be treasured.The background to the production and its production company, the development of the Community Orchestra together with good-luck messages from notable actors and dancers all contributed to a very interesting programme.

The set had been designed and created by M3 Productions for this production.  It was an innovative and inspiring set which gave the cast a tremendous platform from which to perform.  From a health and safety point of view I was a little concerned about the two RSJs stage left which seemed to be at eye height for several members of the cast.  I would also like to see those pupils interested in the essential world of backstage to get an equal opportunity to learn the requisite skills.The lighting and sound were impressive throughout.  Effective, enhancing, supportive……except there was a tendency not to light the faces particularly at the front of the stage.  The costumes were excellent right down to the petticoats and matching shoes for the girls which reflected the two opposing parties in great style.  The costumes for the Jets and Sharks did not give an immediate indication as to who was who – it often needed the lighting to reinforce the “sides”.

The orchestration was devised to encompass the talents of both the school and staff musicians available with the addition of several local musicians of talent.  The musical director brought this ensemble together to produce a fantastic sound. I said last year, “You would never have known that there was not a full-scale professional orchestra hidden behind the scenes”. The first-class sound balancing enabled the musical director to bring out the best in both singers and musicians.

A great evening’s entertainment.  Acting, singing and dancing (and fighting) all at a very high standard.  The choreographer and the fight scene director are to be highly praised for the professional level that they achieved with this young cast.The audience, although many were biased, were constantly reminded of the tension and emotion that surrounds a situation where there are two factions whilst at the same time following the love story to its sad conclusion.  Having auditioned over 400 pupils to get to what was a cast of approximately 120 from Perins they were supplemented by pupils from Sun Hill Infants and Juniors together with some from Cheriton Primary School.  All the youngsters really did themselves proud and it was only in the green room that you realised how young they were.  This cast performed at the very highest level and sent their audience away humming all the memorable tunes.  I am a great believer in the team effort and am loath to mention too many individuals however I must mention the 13 and 15-year old leadsMaria played by Isabelle Packer and Tony played by Ben Watts.  They truly held the stage and their presence was palpable.

Congratulations to Marilitsa Alexiou together with Melanie Ashford and the dynamic Creative Arts Team for giving these talented youngsters the opportunity they deserve and hopefully will appreciate for years to come.

 

Kay Rowan

NODA South-East Councillor

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