WEST SIDE STORY
Canberra Philharmonic Society
Review by Shanna Provost
That classic ‘fifties take on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is given a breath of life by Canberra Philharmonic Society.
Bursting with classic songs by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim including Something’s Coming, Maria, America, Somewhere, Tonight, I Feel Pretty and One Hand, One Heart, West Side Story ran for 732 Broadway performances in 1957 before going on tour. The rest is theatrical history.
Set in New York in the mid-1950s, the musical explores the rivalry between two teenage gangs of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The young protagonist, Tony, who belongs to the Anglo gang (Jets), falls in love with Maria, the sister of the rival Puerto Rican gang’s (Sharks) leader Bernardo.
The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theatre—and it was aptly translated to the Erindale stage by a talented cast and crew in this production.
A commendation to Miss Robyn Collins, who, despite a family sadness, put in an outstanding performance that would make her father proud. Her classical training gave Maria the sophistication and vocal assuredness required of the role. Tim dal Cortivo, who played Maria’s ‘Romeo’ Tony, was a competent match for Ms Collins. In fact it was easy to get lost in the duets the two sang so beautifully.
Supporting actors Janie Lawson as Anita and Jordon Kelly as Bernardo slipped into a Latino groove with ease and provided the grit to counterbalance the more classical leads. Charles Oliver’s cameo is the perfect light relief for a predominantly intense story.
West Side Story is heavy on dance scenes, with rumbles (fight scenes) that would necessitate careful choreography not only to please the audience, but also to ensure the cast is safe at all times. Michelle Heine has done an exceptional job in creating light and shade (from rough and tumble acrobatics to sweet and rhythmical ballet). Sometimes the talent levels of a chorus in amateur theatre can be a little uneven, but this ensemble seemed competent and well matched throughout.
The set was stark but effective, and transitions relatively smooth, although there is some ironing out to do before next run to tighten up the first act.
Musical Director Craig Johnson and his orchestra took on a challenge in bringing Bernstein’s lauded musical to life—especially as the score includes not only jazz and orchestral pieces but also contains operatic elements.
It’s obvious Director Jim McMullen knows his stuff, and knew to enlist a very talented crew (of around 60!) to cocreate one of the more challenging musicals ever to hit the stage.
As with Shakespeare’s R&J, West Side Story isn’t a fairytale with a happy ending. It hits at the heart—and Canberra Philo has done an excellent job of bringing all the elements together to make a great evening’s entertainment.
WHAT: West Side Story
WHERE: Erindale Theatre
WHEN: 27th, 28TH 29TH August, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 12th at 8pm
5th and 12th Sept at 2pm
BOOKINGS: online only at www.philo.org.au
