This production was chalk full of pleasant surprises. From the skill of the dancers and singers to the outstanding lighting to the props and acting, everything about this show exceeded my expectations. Though this show may not be appropriate for extremely young children, I would absolutely recommend it to the adult crowd of the area.
West Side Story is an adaptation of Shakespeare's tragic play "Romeo and Juliet" but is set in New York in the 1950s. At that time there were many immigrants coming to New York from Puerto Rico. Thus, it made historical sense that the two gangs in the play were The Jets (the white teenagers who were at least 2nd generation citizens) and the Sharks (first generation US citizens from Puerto Rico). These social issues therein are neatly weaved into the play, especially through witty songs such as "America."
The play began with the audience becoming aware of the feud between these two groups fighting over the same "turf" in the city. The real trouble, though, started after Tony, one of the key members of the Jets, dances with and kisses Maria, the little sister of Bernardo who is a leader of the Sharks. This couple quickly falls in love which leads to terrible contention as gang members find out. Besides Maria and Tony, no one else will even take a second to consider such a mixed relationship, which means the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet became a possibility.
Initially, it didn't make sense to my why Michaela Bateman, an actress of Asian descent, was chosen to play Maria, a Hispanic character. The reason for this thought is that in the highly successful 1961 motion picture adaptation of the play, it was very controversial that only 1 out of all the Sharks was actually of Hispanic descent. All the rest were white actors and actresses who used makeup to darken their skin and who spoke with a practiced Spanish accent. Thus, to me it seemed almost ironic that Bateman was chosen for this part. At least that is what I thought until she opened her mouth and sang for us. At that moment the decision became crystal clear. She had the perfect soprano voice for the part and I could listen to Bateman's operatic voice all day long. When Bateman hit the high notes at the end of the duet "Somewhere," it was some of the most beautiful notes I have heard in my life.
When speaking of the outstanding talent portrayed, one cannot miss the outstanding dancing skills of Courtney and Louis Giannini during the high school dance scene. Their jazz and sing dancing partnership with lifts, kicks, and spins was so intoxicating, it was difficult to take one's eyes off them.
Likewise, the acting of Stevie Nichols in the gang rape scene was unbelievably heart wrenching. She enters the scene at Doc's Drug Store demanding to see Doc so that she can deliver the promised message from Maria. In trying to protect Tony, and also out of hatred for her race, they overwhelmed her and held her down. The simulated gang rape was just about to occur until Doc broke it up. In this moment, the audience truly understood her loyalty to her friend, her fear at being violated, and her broken spirit. We understood exactly why, when she finally got the chance to deliver the message, she lied about Maria's well-being. I applaud her performance.
One of the biggest lessons for me came at the moment when Doc proclaimed to the teenagers that "you make the world lousy!" Their immediate rebuttal was that "we didn't make it, Doc." To all who feel victims to the circumstances they were born into, this scene alone should be sufficient to make you rethink your position. Of course they made their life exactly what became of it! They chose hatred and non-tolerance. They chose the war council and violence. Though they couldn't choose the eventual consequence of three deaths on their hands, they made the choice that led to it.
Last but not least, I wouldn't feel right in ending this review without mentioning the amazing lighting and props onstage. As the audience entered initially, it was impossible to ignore the chain link fence at the front of the stage. This did a phenomenal job of setting the tone for the play. When the show began, as much as we wanted to watch the great jazz choreography in the style of Jerome Robbins, this task was made difficult by the breathtaking beauty of the backdrop. I don't know how they did it, but the lighting and scenic directors (and possibly others) made a fantastic backdrop. It simulated the look of the sky during all times of the day. Lights in the windows of buildings created the feel of actually being in New York City. Because of this type of beauty, those hard at work backstage deserve obvious credit!
Thank you Albuquerque Little Theater for such a great performance!!
Location:
224 San Pasquale Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Dates:
March 4 – 26, 2016
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm;
Sundays at 2:00 pm
Tickets:
Adults, $24
Seniors (65+), $22
Students (13 – University), $20
Children (12 and under), $14
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