West Side Story is a musical about youth and Blue Mountains Musical Society has gone for authenticity over stage experience in its latest production at the Blue Mountains Theatre. Forget a cast of 30-somethings trying to pass themselves as teenage gang members, most of the cast currently on stage in Springwood aren’t long out of high school themselves.
It’s a creative decision that pays off handsomely.
Joint directors, husband and wife team Naomi and Drew Livingston, have drawn powerful performances from their young cast, making this West Side Story a strong showcase for the talent of local youth.
Standout out numbers from the classic musical include I Feel Pretty while the male cast leave an indelible mark (courtesy of some strong comic timing) with Gee, Officer Krupke.
Seasoned performer Celeste Furnell’s experience shines through as the feisty but caring Anita while BMMS regular Alex Casalini steps up admirably to make a proud and imposing Shark, Bernardo. Liam Gray impresses as Riff, his counterpart in the rival Jets.
But a successful production of West Side Story will stand or fall on the central love story at its heart. As Maria and Tony, Tonieka Del Rosario and Micah Bawden’s youth might lend authenticity to their roles (they both finished high school last year), but it is their singing and acting ability that provides the emotional weight.
West Side Story is a musical where dance is almost as important as the songs in advancing the storyline and setting the mood. Choreographer Lisa Sontag ensures the cast carry out this function admirably, from the iconic crouching moves and finger snaps to the exuberant motion of America. Choreographing the fight scenes, Edmund Lembke-Hogan succeeds in giving them a genuine air of suspense.
The production’s simple but effective set puts the focus rightly on the performances while the 17-piece orchestra, performing live from an adjoining studio, do more than justice to Leonard’s Bernstein’s unforgettable music.
West Side Story is being performed at the Blue Mountains Theatre until July 3. Tickets: bluemountainstheatreandhub.com.au or 4723 5050.
