By Elisabeth Spencer
Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre in Logan, Utah, is known for the high-quality productions of classic musicals and operas they bring to the Ellen Eccles Theatre each summer. Few companies could be better-suited to produce West Side Story, the 1957 musical that broke barriers in its unique use of choreography and its revolutionary depiction of difficult racial themes. With a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by a young Stephen Sondheim, and the Romeo and Juliet retelling tells the story of two young lovers torn apart by their affiliation to different gangs, the Caucasian-American Jets and the Puerto Rican-American Sharks.
Company founder Michael Ballam’s goal in producing West Side Story was to present it “in the way it was envisioned by Leonard Bernstein.” Sure enough, this production seems to share the same soul as the original Jerome Robbins production, with director and choreographer George Pinney artfully utilizing Robbins’s classic and distinctive choreography. The cast performs the difficult dance numbers with grace and vigor, bringing an electrifying energy to scenes such as “Cool” and the dance at the gym. Equally important to honoring Bernstein’s vision is the top-notch orchestra conducted by Karen Keltner. They bring Bernstein’s soaring melodies to life, both the romantic love songs and the rhythmic, Latin-inspired dance sequences.
Benjamin Adams plays the former Jet leader Tony. His voice is rich and passionate, and his dynamic range on songs such as “Something’s Coming” and “Maria” make for genuinely enchanting performances. Olivia LaBarge is a lovely and genuine Maria, with a sweet soprano voice that soars effortlessly throughout difficult songs. Her portrayal takes Maria from a playful and innocent young girl to a jaded and heartbroken woman. From her first scene to the last, she is the heart of the show.
The Jets, who carry show-stopping numbers like “Gee Officer Krupke” and “Cool,” are all excellent dancers and singers, and the playful chemistry and sense of rapport between the group is impeccable. Their leader—and Tony’s best friend—Riff is played by Broderick O’Neal—a skilled dancer and compelling actor who plays Riff with a confident and cunning swagger. Other Jet standouts include Ty Koeller as the hot-headed Action and Francesca Mintowt-Czyz as the outcast Anybodys.
The Sharks are equally strong throughout. Pasqualino Beltempo, fierce and magnetic as the Shark gang leader Bernardo, brings a welcome touch of nuance and charisma to the role. He is evenly matched by powerhouse Marianthi Hatzis, whose fiery and sympathetic Anita sings with passion while holding her own in both dance numbers and emotionally demanding scenes.
Another moving performer comes from a Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre favorite, W Lee Daily, as drugstore owner Doc. In a surprising and devastating scene near the end of the show, he confronts the Jets and condemns the violence they have brought into the world. It is a harsh and moving reminder of the adults’ role in allowing acts of hatred to prevail.
The visual design at Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre is always stunning, and this show is no exception. The costumes, designed by Amanda Profaizer, embrace the 1950’s setting while using color and style to clearly differentiate the characters’ social alignment (the Jets in blue jeans and cool tones, the Sharks in brighter colors and bolder fashions). The wig and makeup design by Georgianna Eberhard also effectively create a 1950’s look and appropriately tells the stories of the characters. Heidi Hoffer’s set is simple, but strikingly effective, with worn brownstone buildings serving as the backdrop for most of the action. Finally, the lighting designed by Chris Wood effectively creates extremes between beautiful love scenes drenched in starlight and high-intensity fight scenes, tying the entire show together.
The production team lets the curtain fall slowly at the end of Act 1 to allow the impact of Riff and Bernardo’s deaths to sink in. The end of Act 2 is even more haunting, in the red-lit procession that follows Tony’s death, and it makes it clear that this is a production that truly understands the beating heart of West Side Story, and the impact of the violence and misunderstanding that comes between love and acceptance. Although there are some scenes of violence that may be frightening to children under the age of ten — a testament to the excellent work of fight choreographer Stefan Espinosa.
The recent announcement of a Steven Spielberg-helmed West Side Story film remake, slated for a 2020 premiere, is proof that this classic musical remains captivating and entertaining to modern audiences. If that’s not proof enough, head to the Ellen Eccles Theatre in Logan and experience the beautiful vocals, striking choreography, and powerful storytelling of West Side Story for yourself. A production of this caliber is not to be missed.
Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre presents West Side Story. Book by Arthur Laurents, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Music by Leonard Bernstein.
Ellen Eccles Theatre, 43 South Main Street, Logan, UT 84321
July 6*, 12, 17, 20, 26, 30*, August 3*, 2019. 7:30 PM (*1:00 PM matinee)
Tickets: $12-79
Contact: 800-262-0074
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