Seven Decades Later, “West Side Story” Still Resonates

By Wes Hessel with Flo Mano

The Jets and the Sharks, Tony and Maria – Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s megaclassic “West Side Story”, presented by Music Theater Works, and seamlessly directed by Sasha Gerritson, is not to be missed. Conducted nuancedly by Justin Kono with a 24-piece orchestra, and superbly choreographed by Clayton Cross and Isa Ramirez from the opening “Rumble” to “America” to “I Feel Pretty” to “Somewhere” throughout delivers. Bob Kuhn’s versatile set design and the colorful costumes pop; the lighting design by Andrew Meyers is just right, as is the sound by Stephanie Farina. The intimacy and violence choreography (Nick Sandys) is spot on.

This doomed love story of two people from different walks of life set in 1950’s New York is of immigrants protecting their “turf” – fear and hate rule. Former Jet Tony (Luke Nowakowski – amazing) is attracted to Maria (the ravishing Isabella Ruano), sister of Sharks leader Bernardo (a powerful performance by Emmanuel Ramirez), who wants his sister to marry Chino (the impressive Kameron Rojas-Schueneman), when they meet at the high school dance. Tony tells Maria that he will intervene so the rumble doesn’t happen. Tony’s friend and Jets leader Riff (the dynamic Connor Rippereger) becomes involved. In the morning Anita (fierce, magnificent Pauleth Jauegui) finds them and breaks very bad news…

Adapted from Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet” to Arthur Laurent’s book, this story is still relevant almost 70 years later. Don’t miss this high energy musical, only playing now until August 30th. So go “Tonight” to www.musictheaterworks.com for tickets or more information.

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