West Side Story (West Bromwich Operatic Society)
When you hear the trio Bernstein, Sondheim and Robbins by default one must think of the musical West Side Story, whether it's 1957 on Broadway or 1961 Movie. West Bromwich Operatic Society have brought an emphatic
production of this universally well known and liked masterpiece to the stage in 2018 under the intelligent direction of Simon Pugh, some impressive choreography from Steve Elias (ably assisted by Lisa Metcalfe) and flamboyant (much in the vein of Leonard Bernstein himself) musical direction from Adam Joy.
Tom Fletcher is a confident and vocally polished Tony, playing opposite a winsome Jessica Williams as the somewhat overly protected Maria, they make beguiling star-crossed lovers in the true Romeo & Juliet style. Emma Wetherall is powerful both in the vocal sense and as the character of Anita, alongside a convincing and skilled performance from Matt Williams as Bernardo.
Must admit to a double-take at Daniel Smith as Riff, having seen him only recently as Tony in another production, portrayals of both characters nothing short of immaculate. Tilly Thompson is compelling as tomboy and wannabe gang member Anybodys with Elliott Mann persuasive as jilted boyfriend driven to kill, Chino.
Upholding the law during what is never ending friction between natives and immigrants is Greg Yates as the experienced and somewhat cynical Lieutenant Schrank with sidekick, streetwise cop Officer Krupke played by Steve Coussens.
Dave Hogan's enthusiastic yet somewhat overawed Gladhand add some comedy value to the otherwise confrontary dance at the gym 'Mambo' number.
At the real core of the story is the conflict between Jets and Sharks, portrayed sometimes in dialogue, sometimes in song but, more often than not in dance and it takes some capable dancers to bring the choreography to life. Such an abundance of that life comes from Jets, Alex Woolliscroft (Action), James Brett-Wyton (Arab), Harvey Zaffino (Baby John), Dave Sharratt (Big Deal), Frazer Shine (Diesel) and Nick Myatt (Snowboy) and Sharks, Neil Ward (Pepe), Adam Robinson (Indio) and Richard Howarth (Luis) interpreting the intricate moves with some class.
Whilst the boys are trying to defend their patch, the girls are dealing with the challenges of day-to-day life and the cultural divide that they really don’t want or understand. Whether it’s Chloe Lowe (Graziella), Rose Broadfield (Velma) and Nicola Howarth (Minnie) on the New York side or Molly Williams (Consuela), Jo Perry (Rosalia), Francesca Charlton (Francisca), Natalie Jackson (Teresita), Beth Logan (Estella) and Gemma Scattone (Margarita) on the Puerto Rican side, the internal turmoil and external fear is well represented.
It's hard to pick a specific highlight in what is a production full of them but, the 'Gee, Office Krupke' number is a delight as is the Dream Ballet Sequence which strangely didn't make it into the Movie.
You only have three more opportunities to catch this exquisite piece of musical theatre so stay 'cool' and 'pretty' while you head off to the box office for any remaining tickets.
Book Here
production of this universally well known and liked masterpiece to the stage in 2018 under the intelligent direction of Simon Pugh, some impressive choreography from Steve Elias (ably assisted by Lisa Metcalfe) and flamboyant (much in the vein of Leonard Bernstein himself) musical direction from Adam Joy.
Tom Fletcher is a confident and vocally polished Tony, playing opposite a winsome Jessica Williams as the somewhat overly protected Maria, they make beguiling star-crossed lovers in the true Romeo & Juliet style. Emma Wetherall is powerful both in the vocal sense and as the character of Anita, alongside a convincing and skilled performance from Matt Williams as Bernardo.
Must admit to a double-take at Daniel Smith as Riff, having seen him only recently as Tony in another production, portrayals of both characters nothing short of immaculate. Tilly Thompson is compelling as tomboy and wannabe gang member Anybodys with Elliott Mann persuasive as jilted boyfriend driven to kill, Chino.
Upholding the law during what is never ending friction between natives and immigrants is Greg Yates as the experienced and somewhat cynical Lieutenant Schrank with sidekick, streetwise cop Officer Krupke played by Steve Coussens.
Dave Hogan's enthusiastic yet somewhat overawed Gladhand add some comedy value to the otherwise confrontary dance at the gym 'Mambo' number.
At the real core of the story is the conflict between Jets and Sharks, portrayed sometimes in dialogue, sometimes in song but, more often than not in dance and it takes some capable dancers to bring the choreography to life. Such an abundance of that life comes from Jets, Alex Woolliscroft (Action), James Brett-Wyton (Arab), Harvey Zaffino (Baby John), Dave Sharratt (Big Deal), Frazer Shine (Diesel) and Nick Myatt (Snowboy) and Sharks, Neil Ward (Pepe), Adam Robinson (Indio) and Richard Howarth (Luis) interpreting the intricate moves with some class.
Whilst the boys are trying to defend their patch, the girls are dealing with the challenges of day-to-day life and the cultural divide that they really don’t want or understand. Whether it’s Chloe Lowe (Graziella), Rose Broadfield (Velma) and Nicola Howarth (Minnie) on the New York side or Molly Williams (Consuela), Jo Perry (Rosalia), Francesca Charlton (Francisca), Natalie Jackson (Teresita), Beth Logan (Estella) and Gemma Scattone (Margarita) on the Puerto Rican side, the internal turmoil and external fear is well represented.
It's hard to pick a specific highlight in what is a production full of them but, the 'Gee, Office Krupke' number is a delight as is the Dream Ballet Sequence which strangely didn't make it into the Movie.
You only have three more opportunities to catch this exquisite piece of musical theatre so stay 'cool' and 'pretty' while you head off to the box office for any remaining tickets.
Book Here
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