Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
Review: WEST SIDE STORY at The Argyle

Review: WEST SIDE STORY at The Argyle

Now through April 2nd.

Feb. 16, 2023  

Celebrating their incredible 4th season, the Argyle Theatre of Babylon has mounted a truly exquisite and exciting production of the iconic Tony winning musical West Side Story. Indeed, the Broadway caliber cast is absolutely top-notch under the fantastic direction of Broadway alum and Argyle's Artistic Director Evan Pappas and Todd Underwood who also serves as the production's choreographer. Running through April 2nd at the beautiful Long Island venue, this is a show not to be missed this season.

The tale, of course, centers on Maria, stunningly portrayed by Sabina Collazo, and Tony, strongly portrayed by Wes Williams, in a modern-day Romeo and Juliet situation.

Tony, his friend Riff (excellently portrayed by Michael Morely), and their friends are part of the Jets street gang while a rival gang, The Sharks, is headed up by Maria's brother, Bernardo portrayed by Lucas Rodriguez. Maria and Tony meet at a school dance and fall in love. Unfortunately, this is forbidden in their worlds. Ms. Collazo and Mr. Williams are a magnificent team and flawlessly sing the classic Leonard Bernstein (music)/Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) score. A heart rendering number is their rendition of "Tonight". Also an audience favorite among the cast is Rosie Garcia as Anita, Bernardo's girlfriend. Ms. Garcia and the girls did an astounding rendition "America" with energetic dancing that is met with thunderous applause among the enthusiastic audience. I could go on and on (and on!) about the beautiful cast, but know that the entire company is truly brilliant.

Another highlight is the fantastic set created by Steven Velasquez. The stage accommodates the site of the fights, Maria's corner house with balcony, and the iconic "Dance at the Gym" pretty well. This is enhanced gorgeously by Christopher Chambers' lighting design and Peter Fogel's dazzling costumes complete with Anita's fabulous purple dress. Additionally, it is always thrilling to have a live orchestra; this one strongly led by Music Director Christopher D. Littlefield.

To put it plainly, West Side Story is indeed another hit for the Argyle Theatre this Winter season. Is it a cheerful story? No. Is this show done consistently? Sure. Nonetheless, created and told is a thrilling story for the ages and this incarnation is one that the creators would be incredibly proud of.




Photos: First Look At THE SOUND OF MUSIC At CM Performing Arts Center Photo
Photos: First Look At THE SOUND OF MUSIC At CM Performing Arts Center
The CM Performing Arts Center has opened their long awaited production of The Sound of Music on the Main Stage in The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre. Here's a first look at photos from both the Blue and Green casts!
Photo: Broadway Legend Jerry Zaks Visits CLUE at The Gateway Photo
Photo: Broadway Legend Jerry Zaks Visits CLUE at The Gateway
Check out a photo of Broadway Legend Jerry Zaks visiting Sally Struthers at Clue at The Gateway!
Review: John W. Engeman Theaters THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL Photo
Review: John W. Engeman Theater's THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL
What did our critic think of THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL at John W. Engeman Theater At Northport? I must admit I was a little hesitant in seeing The Scarlet Pimpernel because I was starting to believe Frank Wildhorn was a one-hit wonder on Broadway. That one hit wonder of course being Jekyll & Hyde, a great musical with a fantastic score despite what the critics said. His latest productions that I've seen (Wonderland, Bonnie and Clyde) just didn't measure up.
Review: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING At Bacca Arts Center Photo
Review: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING At Bacca Arts Center
Part of the Bard's First Folio, Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy about two intertwined love stories. After a group of soldiers arrive in Messina, love emerges between Hero, the Governor's daughter, and Claudio, a young officer. The young pair then conspire with Don Pedro, Claudio's commanding officer, to play matchmaker and set-up Beatrice, Hero's cousin, and Benedick, Claudio's friend and fellow officer. This turns out to be no easy task indeed as both Beatrice and Benedick have both a distaste for love...and each other. Will love prevail for both couples? Or will they fall victim to the sinister scheme of Don Pedro's brother and self-proclaimed villain, Don John?

From This Author - Melissa Giordano

Melissa has been covering theatre for BroadwayWorld for the past eight years and has loved every second of it. She is consistently inspired by the talent of the artists of her beloved Long Island a... (read more about this author)


Review: THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT at Hampton Theatre CompanyReview: THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT at Hampton Theatre Company
March 24, 2023

What did our critic think of THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT at Hampton Theatre Company?
Review: SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM at Theatre ThreeReview: SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM at Theatre Three
February 23, 2023

What did our critic think of SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM at Theatre Three?
Review: WEST SIDE STORY at The ArgyleReview: WEST SIDE STORY at The Argyle
February 16, 2023

What did our critic think of WEST SIDE STORY at The Argyle?
Review: THE WEDDING SINGER Brings the 80s Back To Life At The GatewayReview: THE WEDDING SINGER Brings the 80s Back To Life At The Gateway
February 2, 2023

What did our critic think of THE WEDDING SINGER at The Gateway?
Review: DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS at John W. Engeman TheaterReview: DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS at John W. Engeman Theater
January 26, 2023

What did our critic think of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS at John W. Engeman Theater?
share