Reader Reviews
West Side Story (Haymarket Theatre, Leicester)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | A production with no heart or passion. They sang the songs, danced the steps and said the lines and that was your lot! Boring. No tension or excitment at all. Didn't come close to the Haymarket's 1992 version, which I believe is the the same artistic team...so it's got to be the cast that are at fault...Sorry! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.254.0.7) | 20 Jan 03 |
| Hmmm well I agree with parts of both the previous reviews. The first one cos he/she mentioned the brilliant Anita although realising it is far from perfect, and the second for saying David Needham is amazing. However, the 2nd reviewer also needs to realise that whilst it is a tragic story in parts, West Side Story IS also fun, how can you not smile at the Jets' wonderful dance routines? It is not the sad, bleak, hopeless story you make it out to be!!! Plus I am a firm believer everyone is entitled to their own opinions. My opinion is that this show is good and (dare I say it?) fun, but don't forget the tissues as well! Theatre at it's wholesome best. Long live Sondheim! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.59.66.226) | 31 Dec 02 |
| I have to ask the previous reviewer the following: "light entertainment?" "fun night out?". Did you see the same show? This musical is not supposed to be in the same vein as a 70s rock musical - it is based on a tragic love story. And seeing as you liked Hot Stuff so much I am surprised that you haven't even mentioned David Needham, who choreographed both shows. Were you not even slightly impressed at the energy and polish of the dancing? And presumably you've forgotten that West Side Story is also a Sondheim show? Everyone is entitled to their opinion but I wouldn't advise to see this is you simply want a fun night out - that's what Hot Stuff is for! I thought West Side Story was brilliant. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.165) | 31 Dec 02 |
| I saw 'West Side Story' at it's preview last night and I'm of mixed opinion. I loved 'Hot Stuff' earlier in the season and so was thrilled to see the fabulous Pippa Raine, Philippe Reynolds and Keisha Marina Atwell back on that stage together, but somewhat less impressed with the casting of Camilla Beeput from Fame Academy as Maria. The girl didn't find her niche on TV and in the music industry, and neither would it seem she has found her niche here. In all of her songs she was drowned out by her co-stars, especially the fabulous girl who played Anita who's name escapes me now. Everyone knows Paul Kerryson does Sondheim well, and I've been very impressed with Kully Thiarai's work since she joined the artistic direction team last year and so it has the makings of a 5* musical, and its a very 'nice' show, but I wonder if perhaps they would have been suited to a more edgy show. I saw Paul Kerryson's 'Rent' at the Prince of Wales on Monday and I still think that is his best piece of work today - he is more suited to shows like that and Thiarai is a genius at Bollywood plays. So don't rush to 'West Side Story', but if you're in need of a little light entertainment and a fun night out at the theatre, head down to the Leicester Haymarket and sing your heart out to the songs we all know so well! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.98.82.142) | 21 Dec 02 |
