My thoughts on WEST SIDE STORY

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 6:41pm

That WEST SIDE STORY (WSS) is one of the greatest musicals ever written is no surprise. That this production is so extraordinarily disappointing is a big surprise.

Prior to this, I had never seen WSS on stage, only bits and pieces of the film. Now having seen all four musical revivals, I can in all certainty proclaim HAIR the best revival of the year. I can also say that, like the disaster that was GUYS AND DOLLS, if this were the original production, WSS would never have caught on, closed quickly and not be discovered as an undiscovered gem of musical theater until Encores or the York's Mufti series revived it 40 years later.

The singularly best part of this production is the translation into Spanish; it's simply fascinating to watch and hear.

What does Arthur Laurents' staging lack? Grit, mostly. That these thugs went pirouetting down the street came as no shock. The men couldn't sing or act; the women were significantly better.

Matt Cavenaugh is atrocious. Not only does he lack charisma, but the music just isn't in his range. Josefina Scaglione is a find; a looker with a very pretty, clear soprano. If only she could act. Even Karen Olivo was slightly underwhelming, but it's clear that she won the Tony because she was the only one on stage who was even close to convincing.

And in that case, her award was well deserved.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 6:49pm

I agree with every word. Except it seems I liked Karen more than you did.

I especially agree about the women stealing the show from the men; both in the ensemble and in the lead performances.

[CSonBroadway]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 6:52pm

How was Karen's voice? Did it sound like it was straining?

[alightinthedark23]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 6:55pm

I also disagree on Karen Olivo. I think she is a great Anita and is definitely the high point of the show.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 7:01pm

I didn't notice any particular strain.

That actually brings up another point I forgot to make.

The show is amplified within an inch of its life. Nothing wrong with that, it's a musical in a huge theater with a huge orchestra.

The problem is that, up in the balcony, I couldn't hear a word any of them were saying.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 7:05pm

I agree that Karen was by far the best thing about WSS. But when you are surrounded by mediocrity, you are going to look outstanding.

[CSonBroadway]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 7:30pm

I couldn't hear when I was in the balcony, but that is because Matt uses so much vibrato all I hear is a goat gasping for breath.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 7:30pm

I saw the show on July 15. I agree with you totally YankeeFan007. I also had problems hearing in the balcony, especially Tony and Maria. My biggest problem with the production was either the poor acting of the two leads and/or their lack of chemistry. I just didn't buy the tragic romance of their characters. To me it was not an awful production, just disappointing.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 7:31pm

Yes, saying someone shines in a less then mediocre production (IMHO) is like crowing about being the fast one in a slow group.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 7:48pm

I thought Karen's acting and singing were fascinating to witness. She owns the stage like few can.
The women are definitely the highlight of the show, it's no coincidence that the strongest scene is the Bedroom scene with Karen and Josefina facing off with "Un Hombre Asi/I Have a Love." Also, I think every review of this WEST SIDE STORY should mention the wonderful Pamela Otterson as Graziella, so so so good.