West Side Story

If you’re into trendy theatre-speak you might well call Dural Musical Society’s West Side Story ‘Immersive’ theatre.

Sydney’s semi-rural north west seems quite a leap from New York’s West Side ghettos, but director Eddie Bruce ensures many strong, in-your-face moments by reconfiguring the intimate Dural Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, placing the audience on three sides of the action, on rostra risers, no more than a few metres from the action. To one side of the stage, well out into the auditorium, Maria’s fixed fire-escape balcony feels like audience members are just across a narrow laneway, while a cleverly designed fold-away set component, on what remains of the stage (largely occupied by the concealed orchestra), allows quick transitions to all interior locations.

The thrust staging gives immediacy to this classic musical based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, reset amidst 1950s raced-based gang conflicts on New York’s West Side.

Dural’s young cast approach the show with heaps of vigour and attitude.

The space is a little cramped for bigger scenes like the dance at the gym, even with a smallish company.  Yet many scenes work particularly well, including part-company numbers ‘Gee, Officer Krupke’ and ‘America’, as well as the fatal fight scene and the finale. Choreographers Kate and Christina O’Neill might have done well in full cast numbers to rotate performers through the main space more to allow for more vigor and expansiveness.

Dural is one of the few companies in Sydney not to use radio microphones, relying on and encouraging natural projection. With the band placed on stage and behind the action, the natural sound mix was excellent, with not a word or voice lost, though with a mid-sized orchestra, it’s a very reduced version of the magnificent arrangements.

Stephanie Quaglia gives the standout performance as Maria; full of heart and impressively sung, she makes the journey from romantic naivety to tragic heroine work beautifully. Opposite her, musical theatre newcomer Rewi Pakinga is a sincere, earnest Tony, promising even more with a little refinement of his stagecraft and phrasing.

Phil O’Connor (Riff) and Adam Garden (Bernardo) lead the gangs with authority and attitude. With both killed off before intermission, Jets members get the best individual chances with ‘Gee, Officer Krupke’, and these Dural Jets ensure the number lives up to its showstopper status. Emily Daniels nails the tomboy role of Anybodys.

Another relative newcomer to musical theatre, Sarah Aylen’s passionate Anita develops a strong chemistry with Stephanie Quaglia’s Maria, from early affectionate sarcasm, through knowing concern, to tragic passion in ‘A Boy Like That’ and ultimately shared loss. She leads the Sharks girls impressively in a snappy, energetic ‘America’.

All four adult roles are capably handled.

Dural Musical Society punches above its weight, displaying inventiveness and originality within their budgetary and venue limitations. I’d love to see this concept explored in a larger space, maybe a gym; given the musical’s settings, it could be even more ‘immersive’.

Neil Litchfield

Images (from top): Maria (Stephanie Quaglia) and Tony (Rewi Pakinga) make their vows to each other in the Bridal Shop; planning for the Rumble…  The two leaders meet at Doc’s Drugstore for a war counsel – seated are the Jets leader Riff (Phil O’Connor) and the Sharks leader Bernardo (Adam Garden), supported by their gang members who are getting a little heated; From L to R: Arab (Liam Dailly), Diesel (Max Hearn-Sarchfield), Action (Jordan Jansons), Chino (Alec Fisher), Pepe (Jackson Eagles)Bernardo (Adam Garden) is protective of his sister Maria (Stephanie Quaglia) and warns off Tony (Rewi Pakinga).  Chino (Alec Fisher) has been promised Maria – his face tells the story of how he feels about Tony and Maria dancing together; The Dance at the Gym – Centre stage Maria (Stephanie Quaglia) and Tony (Rewi Pakinga) meet for the first time, oblivious to the other dancers; and the girls singing 'America'.  From L to R…  Francisca (Brooke Stephens), Anita (Sarah Aylen), Teresita (Laura Murdocca), and Consuela (Keira Glasgow-McLean).