Against the backdrop of 1950’s America, as gang warfare and violence ran rife through the streets of Manhanttan, a tragic love story was born.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the heart-breaking tale of a young store worker and a beautiful Puerto Rican girl has reached millions and turned West Side Story into one of best-loved musicals of a generation.
And it was Manchester’s Palace Theatre which brought the 50-year-old production back to life.
AMERICA: Djalenga (centre) and her co-stars captivated throughout
The show was true to the 1960’s film starring Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer and featured a crew of talented dancers and singers to re-enact every hip shake, leg twist and spin which first captivated its audience.
Katie Hall and Louis Maskell had large shoes to fill as star-struck lovers Tony and Maria yet their vocal performances of duet Tonight would have seen any musical director give a standing ovation, including Leonard Bernstein himself.
Katie, who has graced the stage as a leading lady on many occasions, had a voice matching that of a young Claire Moore and Louis, though his American accent was a little off-putting, made up for this slight faux-pas with his passionate and raw portrayal of a dreamer who is torn between his loyalty to his former gang and his love for a woman he would sacrifice anything to be with.
Special mention must also go to theatre newcomer Matthew Hawksley playing aggressive gang member Action whose acting made him worthy of a career in Hollywood.
However, it was the performances of Javier Cid who played the proud sharks leader Bernardo and his lover Anita played by Djalenga Scott that really impressed.
Javier’s portrayal as a frustrated youth, over-protective brother and patriotic Puerto Rican shined throughout the production alongside his co-star Djalenga, whose chemistry together dominated the stage particularly through a spine-tingling rendition of Mambo!
And it is clear that the directors picked only the best dancers to re-enact some of the most famous scenes in musical theatre with gang members Samuel Salter as Big Deal and Bruce Aguilar Rohan playing A-rab possessing raw talent.
STAR-CROSSED LOVERS: Katie Hall and Louis Maskell
Choreography-maestro Jerome Robbins would have been proud.
Memserising, spectacular, beautiful – there is nothing more you can say about West Side Story and with shows running until after the New Year it would make the perfect Christmas present for any musical fan.
West Side Story is at The Palace Theatre until January 4.
Pictures courtesy of Alistair Muir, with thanks.
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