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Theatre Review
Eleanor Pearson 17 November 2015 A Happy Place Too Far AwayTwo star-crossed lovers, two warring gangs, dance-offs and rumbles, chorus and dance ensembles - West Side Story has all the elements of great musical theatre, and this November Chatswood Musical Society did it full justice.
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West Side Story |
Director Chapin Ayres (who directed the company’s similarly gut-wrenching Blood Brothers in 2009) brings out the story of two young lovers caught up in a mess of racial tensions, and the poverty cycle, and makes it real.
We can understand the conflict between the rival gangs, whose members all face much the same difficulties eking out a pitiful existence in the back streets of a poor New York City neighbourhood. But it doesn’t make the senseless violence any more palatable. So when the elderly store owner Doc (James Worner) accusingly says to the Jets gang.
We can understand the conflict between the rival gangs, whose members all face much the same difficulties eking out a pitiful existence in the back streets of a poor New York City neighbourhood. But it doesn’t make the senseless violence any more palatable. So when the elderly store owner Doc (James Worner) accusingly says to the Jets gang.
“You make this world lousy.”
The Sharks' dance-off at the gym
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We want more than gang member Action’s perfunctory response.
“That’s how we found it.”
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It is a reflection on the layered characterisations that we can still laugh at (and with) the gang when they send up the authorities and themselves in Gee, Officer Krupke! The manic energy of Action (Luke Davis) is particularly infectious.
The testosterone-driven angst of this show is offset by the lovely, romantic frisson between Tony (Anthony Levin) and Maria (Michaela Leisk) that occurs when they meet.
The testosterone-driven angst of this show is offset by the lovely, romantic frisson between Tony (Anthony Levin) and Maria (Michaela Leisk) that occurs when they meet.
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When these two star-crossed lovers first see each other across a crowded dance floor, their chemistry is so apparent. You can follow their line of vision, and see they don't lose eye contact, until they are literally standing right in front of each other.
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Special mention should also be made of supporting lead Susana Downes who plays Puerto Rican girlfriend, Anita, with spunk and style. The orchestra ironically playing I like to be in America, while Jet members attack her poignantly echoes Anita’s ultimate disillusionment with America.
There are also delightful moments in this show: the Romeo and Juliet style balcony scene, the Puerto Rican girls singing I Feel Pretty, and the dance at the gym, to name a few. In the intimate performance venue of the Zenith Theatre, the world of warring gangs is recreated and resonates with clarity. Expect to be taken on a wild emotional rollercoaster ride. I also liked the production choice to finish with a mambo, and not a whimper.
West Side Story plays until November 21, 2015
There are also delightful moments in this show: the Romeo and Juliet style balcony scene, the Puerto Rican girls singing I Feel Pretty, and the dance at the gym, to name a few. In the intimate performance venue of the Zenith Theatre, the world of warring gangs is recreated and resonates with clarity. Expect to be taken on a wild emotional rollercoaster ride. I also liked the production choice to finish with a mambo, and not a whimper.
West Side Story plays until November 21, 2015
