Packemin's Pro-Am West Side Story at Parramatta

Following the success of their sell-out production of Mary Poppins, Riverside Theatres and Packemin Production’s will present another huge Pro-Am production, this time the Broadway classic West Side Story at Riverside Theatres in February 2016.

This iconic musical tells the timeless story of two star-crossed lovers caught in a turf war of rival ethnic gangs.

Inspired by the greatest love story of all time, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is set on New York’s Upper West Side in the mid-1950s where racial and social tensions run high. A poignant, provocative and emotionally powerful piece of theatre,its score features many of legendary composer Leonard Bernstein’sand lyricist Stephen Sondheim’smost famous compositions – “Maria”, “America, “Somewhere” and “Tonight”.

This new production will feature Luigi Lucente (Wicked, Jersey Boys, Dogfight)as Tony and Elisa Colla (Les Misérables, Wicked) who will be accompanying him on stage as Maria. Rowena Vilar (Sweet Charity, Avenue Q) will play Anita and Tony Cogin (Billy Elliot, Dirty Dancing) will feature in the role of Doc.  

On working with Pro/Am company Packemin Productions, as compared to a fully a professional show, Luigi Lucente says, “Working for Packemin has been a delight, such a refreshing and enlightening experience. It's a fantastic team of people, an entire community who truly commit to the success of these shows, exuding such a passion and appreciation for the artform. They achieve the perfect balance of providing an equal opportunity for anyone to audition for a production which rivals professional standards. The cast and creatives assembled are all of an exceptional calibre - I'm certain many of these younger performers will go on to have great careers. Working alongside seasoned professionals certainly raises the bar and gives them a taste of industry demands, at the same time it's eye-opening to be personally reminded and inspired by the remarkable up-and-coming talent and this show certainly allows for each of them to shine! The combination of passion and professionalism certainly makes for electric night in the theatre!

“West Side Story is a demanding show across all facets - physically, vocally and mentally. It fuses the worlds of classical dance, music and text to create that deliciously gritty world; and that's one hell of challenge for every single department of the show to create every night. Whilst not everyone involved has worked in theatre professionally, there's no lack of uniformity in the work ethic required to bring this work to life that demands focus, precision and discipline.”

Tony has always been a dream role for Luigi. “It's certainly one of the greatest roles ever written for men - and the most challenging. There's such a melting pot of unrest going on within the world and time-period of West Side Story, and it reaches far beyond the surface of Tony being simply lovesick and tragic 'Romeo'. He's this complex yet charming young man on the precipice of something, he's unsettled and is seeking change - reaching for something beyond what he can currently foresee. He no longer wants to lead his gang into turf-wars, he isn't content on being just another juvenile delinquent, and whilst he may not have all the answers he certainly has a thirst for life that is running unfulfilled - that is until he meets, Maria - his 'Juliet'. His life changes in that instant, providing the catalyst for his every dream fulfilled and his every nightmare to realisation. Whilst the journey of the show may only track a few days, there's an eternity of growth, development and chemistry throughout the show, a man constantly being torn between the world he knows and a better world he longs to discover with Maria; all the while constantly being struck down by the consequences of his choices. To be honest, it's almost the perfect role to play and I couldn't be more excited! There's such a richness and wealth within these classic words to discover and build from. He also sings the most glorious material, beautiful and tender melodies that soar with passion and then whimper though whisper! I'm so grateful for the privilege to play this mammoth role - and I know this production is going to be something wonderfully unique.”

Luigi adds that he did play Tony once in high school at the age of 15, “whilst I'd like to think I won the role on merit it was probably awarded from a process of elimination. None the less, it was a life-changing experience at the time and I certainly did vow to myself that I would play this role again in a greater capacity! So it isn't only an adult professional dream role, it's also a teenage ambition that's come to light.”

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On working with Packemin Productions, Rowena Vilar (Anita) says, “So far it has been fantastic. I'm really enjoying myself as I love the young energy in the room - it reminds me of myself when I was younger.

“I've played Anita before in a Manila production in 2008 and so it's nice to reprise it. It's a dream role for any dancer/singer/actor as she has to nail all of those aspects being such a pivotal character in the show. She's feisty and strong but also very nurturing and is all about family and pride.”

And Rowena’s favourite musical number in the show?

“America. However, it's a love/hate relationship. It's such a huge dance and sing that by the end I want to collapse on the floor. Haha!”

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Performers on the ‘Am’ side of Packemin’s successful Pro-Am formula include Jayme Jo Massoud, playing Francesca, and Julian Kuo, playing Bernado, also shared their thoughts on being involved in the Packemin production.

“My favourite thing about working with a Pro/Am theatre company,” says Jayme Jo, “is that I meet people who do it for the love of performing. These people are incredible performers who share the same passion for theatre as I do. I am able to get up on the stage and do what I love whilst surrounded by both professionals and aspiring performers. Through Pro/Am theatre I have gained so much experience. It’s opened up many doors for me and I think that’s because of the high standard productions and welcoming cast and team.”

What’s it like getting to work so closely with industry professionals like Rowena Vilar and Cameron Mitchell?

“What I love about working so closely with industry professionals like Rowena Vilar and Cameron is how much I learn from them. They are such great additions to the team as they give off so much positive energy and allow everyone to gain knowledge from them. Working directly with them allows me to see the type of performer/team member that I aspire to be one and they are people that the cast looks up to and draws energy from.”

And Jayme Jo’s favourite musical number in the show?

“My favourite musical number is America because I love the high energy dance and how we get to become fierce shark girls.”

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What does Julian Kuolove about being a part of community and Pro/Am theatre?

“People from all walks of life coming together to create theatre! There are few things better than meeting new people who share your passions and inspire you to work harder. 

And working closely with industry professionals including Rowena Vilar and Cameron Mitchell?

“I have known Cameron for a long time, I went to Brent Street as a kid in the early 2000’s. It’s awesome to work with him again in a more show based environment. Rowena is a fantastic performer and consistent in everything she does. It’s also awesome to follow the success of a fellow Asian performer! There aren’t an awful lot of opportunities for us in Commercial theatre, so to watch and work with someone who has forged a successful career is always going to be inspiring.” 

One of the greatest musicals ever written, the classic Leonard Bernstein creationthat began Sondheim's career is one of the most performed productions in theatre history.

West Side Story

Book: Arthur Laurents,Music: Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics Stephen Sondheim.

Director – Craig Stewart

Musical Director – Peter Hayward

Choreographer – Cameron Mitchell

Riverside Theatres, Parramatta

Dates:    5 Feb to 20 Feb 2016

Tickets:     $25 - $48

Bookings: www.riversideparramatta.com.au or phone 02 8839 3399

Packemin Productions are known for their sell-out Pro-Am shows at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta and The Concourse, Chatswood. Their previous productions include The Wizard of Oz (starring Jimmy Rees, Laura Murphy, Luke Joslin and Adam Scicluna), Hairspray (starring Jon English and Wayne Scott Kermond), Annie (starring Amanda Muggleton, Chris Horsey and Rodney Dobson), Beauty and the Beast (starring Scott Irwin, Donna Lee and Adam Scicluna), The Phantom of the Opera (starring Ben Mingay, Johanna Allen and Erin Clare) and their most recent sell-out season of Mary Poppins (starring Penny McNamee, Shaun Rennie, Sam Moran, Kate-Maree Hoolihan). 

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