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West Side Story Director: Hermonn The Metropolitan Musical Theatre Company of SA Until Sat 13 May 'West Side Story' must be Stephen Sondheim's best-loved musical judging by the frequency it plays in Adelaide. Way back in 1957, it changed the Broadway musical with socially challenging themes embedded in Sondheim's lyrics, Leonard Bernstein's complex score, Arthur Laurents' 'Romeo & Juliet' storyline (based on a concept by Jerome Robbins), and Robbins' edgy and dynamic choreography. The cast in this production has certainly re-created the magic. James Spargo left us waiting for more after he introduced himself as Tony with Something's Coming and followed up with an absolutely soaring Maria. Diminutive soprano Belinda Smith was a charming yet strong-willed Maria and each of her duets with Spargo, especially Tonight, were warm and emotionally rich. The Puerto Rican girls' America was a robust number thanks to a well-executed dance routine and lively deliveries. The opening dance by the Jets had already set the high performance standard, but the inherent comic irony in 'Gee, Officer Krupke,' enhanced by the hilarious antics and timing in Carmel Vistoli's choreography was something I could watch over and over again. This was as good as it gets. Director Hermonn chose a straight-up 50s setting but some things looked a little strange. Back then, I don't think the Jets threatened the Sharks by scrawling "The Jets are the coolest" on the alley way walls. The street-wise leadership provided by Regan Engelhardt as Riff didn't quite jive with his college good looks. The foreboding consequences of the final scene in the first act were completely dissipated when the happy dance motif descended upon the two dead street fighters. And where can I send $10 so they can buy a few more balloons to signify the dance venue? The orchestra lead by Rodney Hrvatin performed... well, it's a pretty difficult score. I fell in love with Tony and Maria as they fell in love with each other, and Hermonn created real empathy with all sides of the conflict thanks to his expressive cast. The songs, the sense and the dance all conspire to create a mood that cannot be captured on the recordings. Go see and feel the real thing.  |
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