West Side Story

West Side Story
Book: Arthur Laurents, Music: Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics Stephen Sondheim. Gold Coast Little Theatre, Southport. Director/Choreographer: Kim Reynolds. Jan 16th – Feb 13th, 2016

Kim Reynolds production of West Side Story is an excellent start to GCLT’s 2016 season.

Several performances have already sold out prior to Opening Night!

As the “star-crossed” lovers of this modern telling of Romeo and Juliet, Jack Harbour as Tony (he recently starred as Romeo at the same venue) and Susanna Treacy as Maria give sensitive portrayals and are strongly supported by Todd  Jesson - Bernardo,  Cat Deller   - Anita and Jackson Brash as Riff.

Good use of the static set with its various acting levels, as well as numerous areas in the auditorium, creates New York’s tense West Side.

The music, under the baton of Matt Pearson, adds to the tension between the Sharks and the Jets echoing the scenario all too often seen on TV.

The dancing is paramount in the presentation and this youngish cast have worked hard to master the stylised, yet fresh routines under Kim’s direction.

Musical highlights of the production were “Somewhere” (during the ballet in Act II) and “A Boy Like That / I Have a Love” (also Act II), a duet between Maria and Anita.

A refreshing presentation of a Music Theatre classic.

Roger McKenzie

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