West Side Story
5 out of 5 Stars
The collection of geniuses that converged at the time of our nation’s birth is described in the Hamilton lyrics - -
"What are the odds, that the Gods, would put us all in one place?"
A similar statement can be made regarding the creation of one of Broadway’s greatest musicals – West Side Story.
This is the Leonard Bernstein Centennial being celebrated all summer throughout the Berkshires. West Side Story is the musical birthday gift Leonard has given to us. Stephen Sondheim provided his magical lyrics that have not aged a day in over 60 years. The book provided by Arthur Laurents remains crisp with race relation overtones that reverberate today as relevantly as when written. And finally the choreography of Jerome Robbins that makes this show as much of a dance piece as it is musical theater. Now in 2018, a name needs to be added to the list – that of Julianne Boyd, the director who has managed to deliver the revival of West Side Story that theatergoers were deprived of in Broadway’s most recent production. This is the show that lovers of West Side Story deserved. The balance between music, drama, and dance is simply flawless.
Addie Morales as Maria and Will Branner as Tony. Photo by Daniel Rader
The music, the sets, the lighting and the costumes are perfectly balanced serving only to enhance the performances of this extraordinary cast. The entire crew is at the top their game, delivering precisely what we would be hoping for in a production of this classic tale. A stand-out for me was Skyler Volpe playing the part of Anita. Her performance provides the bridge between white and Puerto Rican, good and evil, love and hate. In the showstopping duet of "A Boy Like That" with Addie Morales as a flawless Maria, we so clearly see Anita’s transformation – that although blood is thicker than water, love conquers all (or at least it should unless we are in the midst of a Shakespeare tragedy)
Skyler Volpe as Anita (red skirt). Photo by Daniel Radeo
The cast is rounded out by Sean Ewing as Bernardo and Tyler Hanes as Riff; both of whom leave no doubt as to how they became their respective gang’s leaders. Tony is played by Will Branner. Echoes of his "Maria" reverberate for days after the show. It would be incorrect to refer to the remaining crew as minor characters. Each role is inhabited with star quality performances bringing new texture and definition to their respective roles.
The Sharks and Jets square off. Sean Ewing as Bernardo and Tyler Hanes as Riff. Photo by Daniel Rader
As the song lyrics go – “there's a place for us” – until Saturday there’s a place for you and that is at the Barrington Stage Company. Do not miss this amazing show.
Why We Went: My favorite musical of all time.
JMG