I liked it better the second time as well, Dottie. I didn't notice any changes, but it did seem different somehow.
Regarding the OP's post, I wonder if Josefina Scaglione is actually a trained opera singer. People have a tendency to exaggerate classical training (like with Emmy Rossum). From what I've heard, Josefina has a nice voice but she didn't sound that operatic to me. West Side Story isn't an opera. Even if she did have years of experience, an operatic voice wouldn't be appropriate for the show, so I don't see why her training should make a difference. As it is, Josefina has the best voice in the show.
That ATC post bugs.
"The rape scene. It was played 'straight,' as a rape scene. Not suggested presentation of motions and dancing. It was disgusting, and not in an artistic way."
Rape IS disgusting. It shouldn't be artistic. It should make people uncomfortable.
Like a firework unexploded
Wanting life but never
knowing how