West Side Story

The First National Tour of West Side Story. © Carol Rosegg 2011.

Book by Arthur Laurents
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Directed by David Saint

West Side Story has been romancing audiences for decades. Lucky for fans, the 1957 musical (inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet) with book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim is back on stage this season in a charming revival at the Toronto Centre for the Arts.

Set in New York City's Upper West Side in the mid-1950s, the show explores the tragic fate of teenage lovers caught between rival gangs—the white, blue-collar "Jets" and the Puerto Rican “Sharks”—in a violent turf war. The protagonist Tony, (played by the heartfelt Ross Lekites), a former Jet, falls in love with Maria (a perfectly innocent Evy Ortiz), the sister of the Sharks' leader Bernardo (German Santiago). Needless to say, this match made in heaven is doomed from the start.

Featuring Jerome Robbins' original choreography, this enjoyable production offers something new while maintaining the musical's classically cool look and feel. The updated script incorporates Spanish dialogue and lyrics, creating an added layer of authenticity that will likely confuse some English audiences. But there's still plenty of Greaser slang ("daddio," "buddy boy," "cracko jacko") to go around.

Overall, the ensemble masters Robbins' elegant dance numbers, but some musical performances are more polished than others. Lekites and Ortiz are sweetly believable as Tony and Maria, and we cling to their story during some of the less dynamic exchanges between the gang members.

Memorable scenes include: the school prom, where both sides (American and Puerto Rican) show off their moves in an electrifying battle on the dance floor; Letkites' stirring version of "Maria"; the immigrants song "America," lead by Bernardo's feisty girlfriend Anita (Michelle Aravena); and a fun rendition of "Gee, Officer Krupke," performed by the male members of the Jets.

After more than 50 years, West Side Story is poised to woo a new generation of theatregoers. Visit dancaptickets.com for more information and to buy tickets.