Dan’s Papers May 27, 2011 danshamptons.com Page 102
Theatre Review: “Westside Story� By Roy Bradbrook. streets of New York in the Those electrifying first ‘50s as it did in medieval few moments when the Verona. Here the two starcurtain rose on the opencrossed lovers are Puerto ing night of the new Rican-born Maria, beautiGateway Playhouse seafully portrayed by son and the stage slowly Alexandra Zorn, and filled with teenagers bent American-born Tony, on establishing their played by Brent Michael ownership of a small, Diroma. They have true seedy part of New York chemistry between them “Ev'rything free inAmerica over a rival gang’s claim throughout the show, which quickly confirmed why West Side Story will lifts the total experience to one where you always be considered one of the truly great empathize deeply with their youthful hopes musicals of all time. Of course, that exception- knowing that they will never be realized. Both al combination of Leonard Bernstein’s music, are great looking and have strong, melodious Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics, Arthur Laurents’ voices that bring the most out of wonderful book and the choreography of Jerome Robbins songs such as the haunting duets “Tonight,� should always produce an exceptional result. “One Hand. One Heart� and “Somewhere.� However, without very high standards of indiThe gang leaders of the Jets and the Sharks, vidual artists and great direction, it will never Kit Treece as Riff and Dennis Kenney as come to life in the way that its creators intend- Bernardo, work well in showing the antipathy ed. of the two groups and, at the same time, their High marks to the Gateway team who cast vulnerability due to their immaturity. and staged this production, especially Carlos Remember this was a time when disputes were Encinias, who not only directed but also is the not settled with AK-47s but mostly with fists, company’s choreographer. Gateway produc- stones or knives. The thought of a gun raises tions only have a two-week rehearsal time and horror with many of the gang members. it was amazing to see this talented group of The show has several moments of high comartists as they performed Robbins’ demanding edy in which Sondheim’s satirical lyrics choreography with great precision and drive. expounding the social woes of the time are The story, based on Romeo and Juliet, is given full play. Manoly Farrell plays the sassy, timeless and works as well set on the mean sexy Anita, Bernardo’s girl, and she almost
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steals the show with her rendition of “America,â€? recalling Rita Moreno’s film version of the role. Another comedic high point is when the Jets’ members perform “Gee Officer Krupke.â€? This is Sondheim at his satirical best lampooning society’s take on the causes of juvenile delinquency. The only problem with this song is its placing in the show, where it almost is a case of bathos after a time of high drama and tension—it always seems that it would fit better in the context of the first act’s numbers. The entire cast and orchestra are to be commended for setting such a high standard for the season’s opener‌a season when Gateway has become a nonprofit organization under the title of The Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County at Gateway Playhouse. It is increasingly difficult to meet budgets through ticket sales, so this move will enable Gateway to look for sponsorship at all levels, from regulars who love this theatre and its productions, to companies and corporations that want to invest in local arts. Gateway has survived through the good work of the Allan family for more than 60 years and hopefully, the new structure will ensure it a long future. West Side Story, through May 28, The Gateway Playhouse, 215 South Country Road, Bellport. For tickets call 631-286-1133, gatewayplayouse.com.
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