BWW Reviews: WEST SIDE STORY Sizzles in Toronto

Something’s coming, something … different.  Pick a side, grab a ticket and prepare for a rumble – Sharks vs. Jets style.  Dancap Productions is currently presenting the 1st National Tour of West Side Story at The Toronto Centre for the Arts, more than fifty years after it originally premiered on the Great White Way.  This show has seen countless interpretations over the years but this one succeeds in injecting new life into the classic tale, and the fresh take on it is the main reason to check out the production. 

Most people in the opening night audience were already familiar with the story, which is based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and tells the tale of star-crossed lovers torn apart by racial differences and deep rooted prejudice.  Tony (Ross Lekites) is part of New York City’s leading gang The Jets, a group of ‘American’ boys who are embroiled in a turf war with Peurto Rican gang The Sharks.  He falls in love at first sight with the beautiful Maria (Evy Ortiz) who is the younger sister of Bernardo, the head of The Sharks.  What ensues is an examination of both the trials and tribulations associated with racial biases and inequality in New York City during the 1950s, juxtaposed with a beautiful and touching love story of two people who were never meant to be. 

The production is worthy of much praise, both for its inventiveness and its talented young cast.  For the first time ever, the show uses some original Spanish for certain parts of dialogue and songs.  Where it might be slightly confusing for those who know nothing of the show, the use of the Puerto Ricans native language injects an authenticity and freshness to the production not seen in the past.  It also features beautiful costumes and set design, especially in the now infamous ‘Rumble’ scene which sees the stage transformed into a dark alley under a highway.  

The cast is uniformly strong, with a youthful energy that works particularily well for this piece.  West Side Story is a difficult musical because it requires strong singers and dancers, and encompasses a variety of musical styles that demands an ability to handle music that has operatic and latin flare.  Some of the ensemble numbers in particular showcased the triple threats in the cast, including a hilarious rendition of the classic ‘I Feel Pretty’ and a show-stopping version of 'Gee, Officer Krupke' which allowed the male ensemble to shine.  

In the role of Bernardo’s lover Anita, Michelle Aravena was a stand out, bringing an infectious blend of enthusiasm and latin flare to her tough as nails character but also demonstrating the requisite vulnerability when required.  It’s interesting to note that this role won Karen Olivo the Tony Award in 2009, and here Michelle takes her character and elevates it to new levels.  Similarily, Alexandra Frohlinger (the lone Canadian in the cast) almost stole the show as Anybodys, a role which can be difficult to make one’s own.  With a shaved head and youthful exhuberance she both infuriates and breaks your heart, and her delivery of ‘Somewhere’ was a high point in the show. 

Overall, the West Side Story tour is still fresh, timely and above all, passionate.  My only criticism would be that I felt the ending lacked some of the emotional kick that I’ve come to expect from the story, but perhaps that could in part be due to the fact that Toronto is getting the production towards the end of a long tour.  Regardless, it is certainly worth a trip to North York.  In a year that saw most new Broadway musicals based on movies, and few productions universally praised, it’s refreshing to see a show of this caliber which stands the test of time.  And it’s incredibly comforting to know that sometimes, quality, heart and good old fashioned story telling win in the end.

When and Where?

West Side Story

May 8th – June 3rd, 2012

The Toronto Centre for the Arts

Tickets range from $62 - $180 can be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 416-644-3665 or online at www.dancaptickets.com

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