Date: Fri 13-Dec-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: DONNAM

Illustration: C

Location: A14

Quick Words:

Shubert-theatre-West-Side

Full Text:

(rev "West Side Story" @Shubert, 12/13/96)

Theatre Review-

A New Vision Applied To A Classic "Story"

(with photo)

By June S. April

NEW HAVEN - Something that is termed a "classic" serves as a standard of

excellence, has the potential of universal association and often becomes a

tradition. Theatrically and musically, West Side Story fulfills that

definition.

The pre-Christmas offering at the Shubert Performing Arts Center in New Haven,

West Side Story has been around almost 40 years. It continues at the Shubert

until December 22.

Based on William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , two young people's love is

destroyed by the hatred that exists around them.

The destructive force in the Bard's version is the feud between the two

families. In Jerome Robbin's conception it is societal prejudice that

literally kills the young lover's dreams of being together.

A collaborative effort of three creative giants - composer Leonard Bernstein,

lyricist Stephen Sondheim and director/choreographer Jerome Robbins - West

Side Story is a totally fulfilling experience. There are 14 songs that are

singable and memorable. How many musicals can one say that about nowadays?

The current production is particularly interesting. It is directed by Alan

Johnson, who also serves as director/choreographer. This Emmy Award-winning

artist, the dance captain in the original Broadway production of West Side

Story , his vision of this production is slightly different from the original

version. Yet it works very well, even startlingly.

For example, with the "Somewhere" sequence, rather than being soft and dreamy,

Johnson conceived it as a "bright future" with the set suddenly stark and the

lighting almost blinding.

The sets, by Campbell Baird, were extraordinary and truly deserved the

applause they received at the opening curtain.

The cast is totally believable and physically echoes the appearances of many

of the classic movie cast. Maria, as played by Sharen Camille, has a voice

that rings true to her operatic training and kept her accent true throughout

the production. Jeremy Koch's Tony is more handsome than Richard Bremen, who

had that role in the movie version. His voice is best in the lower ranges, but

every word could be understood.

Which brings us to an important acknowledgement: the audio portion of the

production. What a pleasure! Other plays this reviewer has had to cover her

ears because the speaker sounds were overwhelming. No so in West Side Story .

Ottis Munderloh balanced the audio system beautifully: one felt surrounded,

embraced by the music and words.

The entire cast was energetic and talented, with impressive choreography and

staging. Two other actors were especially outstanding: Natascia A. Diaz as

Anita, and Christian Borle as Riff, the leader of The Jets, the American

street gang.

Under the baton of Donald Chan, the 26-piece orchestra sounded full and

excellently sonorous.

What with the recent cultural resurgence of such programs as "Mostly Mozart"

and the recent appearances of classically-based movies ( Hamlet, Twelfth

Night, Henry V, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , etc), one hopes the younger

generation finds pleasure and fulfillment in another level of sensorial

opportunities.