West Side Story at The @VancouverOpera #TheatreThursday
Once I got over the fact that it wasn’t a traditional opera, I absolutely loved West Side Story. Presented by the Vancouver Opera, West Side Story is in many ways a little bit of a Romeo and Juliet (all proportions guarded). For someone like me, trained in classical piano, the son of a former soprano and a bit of a traditionalist because of my training as a dancer, appreciating West Side Story meant engaging in a bit of a conflict with myself.
West Side Story is not a traditional opera, but then again, you wouldn’t say that Nixon in China (which the Vancouver Opera presented last season) is a traditional opera. But West Side Story will appeal to those who appreciate beautiful and powerful operatically-trained voices, amazing dancers and fantastic theatrical actors. Each element of the cast of West Side Story is a triple threat: great singers, skillful dancers and gifted actors. Full disclosure: one of the cast members is a good friend of mine, Tyrell Witherspoon. Nevertheless, everyone did a bang-on job.
From the Wikipedia entry on WSS
Set in New York City in the mid-1950s, the musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. The members of the Sharks from Puerto Rico are taunted by the Jets, a white working-class group. The young protagonist, Tony, one of the Jets, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theatre. Bernstein’s score for the musical has become extremely popular; it includes “Something’s Coming”, “Maria”, “America”, “Somewhere”, “Tonight”, “Jet Song”, “I Feel Pretty”, “A Boy Like That”, “One Hand, One Heart”, “Gee, Officer Krupske” and “Cool”.
I was pretty dis-satisfied with the first two numbers and found the beginning of Act I rather weak (e.g. when the Jets and the Sharks engage in their first taunting exercise). But as the show progressed (from the point where Anita is making Maria’s dress for an upcoming dance to the end of the show), I found the execution pretty much flawless.
While Lucia Cesaroni (Maria) is a spectacular singer with a beautiful voice and an on-stage presence that reminds me of several other wonderful sopranos, frankly I found that at points, Cleopatra Williams (Anita) stole the show. Dani Jazzar (Bernardo) is handsome and talented in his portrayal of the jealous brother. But the shock for me was Colin Ainsworth (Tony). I’m sorry, but my brain couldn’t quite process a tall, muscular, perfect-bodied, blonde, blue-eyed tenor. When I think tenor, I think Placido Domingo.
Ainsworth, the lovestricken Tony, offers a magnificent portrayal of a young, still-maturing, naive and innocent man. Completely and utterly in love with the lovely Maria, Tony believes everything will work out in the end, despite the riffs between the Sharks and the Jets. Quite obviously, if you have ever listened to the music of West Side Story, you will recognize tunes like “America”, “Officer Krupke” and “Tonight”.
I have seen other versions of West Side Story, and despite my reluctance at the beginning to see it with opera-trained actors, I ended up enjoying it immensely. From a technical standpoint (and in my view as a former dancer), the entire cast’s athleticism, skill and elegance added to an already strong vocal repertoire and a beautiful musical score.
I entered the theatre ready to not like West Side Story “because it wasn’t a traditional opera” and I left with my heart glowing and an extremely positive view of the performance. Beyond the traditional themes it explores (racial discrimination, urban poverty), it is also a timely reminder of how youth needs to find their pathway (let’s not forget the London and Vancouver riots). A cast of strong, powerful voices with extremely skilled actors, blessed with incredible acrobatic and dance skills gives this production of West Side Story its all, and succeeds in bringing the audience a wonderful, colourful and vibrant spectacle.
One final thought – I’m glad that ballet companies, classical musical ensembles and the opera are trying harder to reach out to younger audiences. While I’m in many ways a purist who loves his traditional, classic ballet or opera performances, I am all for popularizing art. Recently, Alberta Ballet put together Love Lies Bleeding and it was a huge success. Vancouver Recital Society’s Audra Macdonald concert was also wildly successful. I’m hoping the same will happen with this year’s Vancouver Opera’s program.
PARENTAL ADVISORY: West Side Story contains suggestive language and physical violence. Three killings are depicted, as well as an attempted sexual assault. A gun is fired. Parents might consider this production unsuitable for children under the age of 12.
You can still catch a few performances of the Vancouver Opera’s West Side Story. VO productions take place at the QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE
Hamilton at Georgia Street.
Thursday October 27, 2011 7:30pm
Friday October 28, 2011 7:30pm
Saturday October 29, 2011 • Matinee 1:30pm
Saturday October 29, 2011 7:30pm
Disclosure: JT paid for both of our tickets to this performance of the Vancouver Opera’s West Side Story. I am in no way, shape or form affiliated with the Vancouver Opera nor have I received complimentary tickets (although I did participate in their Bloggers At The Opera program 2 or 3 times a couple of years ago). I wrote a review because I love opera, and my Mom probably would appreciate that I share my thoughts on the production with my readers. Also, I find it quite frustrating that young audiences don’t attend many performing arts productions and thought they should check out this version of West Side Story.
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