Review- West Side Story
Venue: The Lowry
Date Reviewed: 1st October, 2008
In this age of juke box musicals, it is great to welcome this classic Broadway show back again, especially when it’s delivered with such passion, excitement, and jaw-dropping expertise as this ravishing revival.
Stunning is an adjective used too often, but here, the audience are taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride and this show is that good, that you become completely immersed in the age old tale of two star-crossed lovers.
First conceived by the then dancer, choreographer, and actor, Jerome Robbins; West Side Story takes Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet and transfers it from Verona to New York’s Lower East Side. Two feuding gangs, divided by their ideals and cultures battle it out in a world where knives equal power and status.
This ever relevant tale is given real humanity via the central love story between ex Jet member Tony, and Maria, a Puerto Rican girl from the wrong side of town.
From the dazzling opening to the heartbreaking denouement, this 50th Anniversary production is simply superb. Robbins’ original choreography is as fresh as it always was; atheltic, balletic and a reminder that there was marvellous modern ballet pre Matthew Bourne.
The leads are engaging, in fine voice and make an intriguing couple, despite their height and age difference. Daniel Koek’s towering Tony is a strong, loving man, torn between gang loyalties and his lover. His vocal range is is impressive, providing the emotional connection required to make Stephen Sondheim‘s moving “Maria” soar.
Sofia Escobar‘s Maria matches Koek beautifully in a multi-layered turn; evoking starry-eyed innocence in act one and a woman tarnished by grief in the inevitably tragic climax. Vocally, she is also on the money hitting every high note, reaching the balconies and beyond.
Understudy Celia Mel Rubin as the street-wise cynic, is sensational, bringing comedy and pathos to the brilliant “America.”
Dan Burton’s Bernado, Howard Jones’ Riff and Harry Francis’ Baby John also impress with their sheer versatility.
But, the entire cast give it their all, making this show an absolute must-see. They are aided by Paul Gallis’ steely set design, Renate Schmitzer’s brilliant costumes and Simon Beck’s lively musical direction.
Joey McKneely‘s direction and choreography manages to stay faithful to the original, but at the same time, he adds pace by filling every corner of the stage with colour and movement, complementing Leonard Bernstein’s evergreen music.
I very much doubt you will see a better musical this year; this West Side Story is Broadway bound, so see it while you can!
-Glenn Meads
October 2nd, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Fantastic! – There’s no other way to describe this performance. The opening night was absolutely stunning. The dancing was great, the singing, especially the two leads, was pitch-perfect and beautiful, and the acting was spot-on. My mother and I thoroughly enjoyed Saturday’s show and I confess I shed a few tears at the tragic ending even though I knew what was coming.
October 18th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Did half of the cast speak and sing in Spanish? That’s what I’m hearing for the Broadway production.
November 14th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Just back from the Glasgow show. Everything was fantastic – except for Tony. Who cast Daniel Koek?? Yes – he can sing. But there was no feeling behind any of it. He towered awkwardly above the rest of the cast. Looked years older than them and was hideously wooden. A Tony with receding hair just doesn’t work. And as for his diva-esque bow at the end after he got an obviously diluted cheer compared to everyone else. He spoilt belief in the whole story for us…