West Side Story, Jan 5 Performance

[Gatsby28]

Posted: 1/6/10 at 11:35am

Having last seen West Side Story on stage during my freshman year of high school and growing up watching the movie, I was both excited and skeptical of the 2009 Revival production. I was excited to see modern performers like Karen Olivo, known for her work in musicals that couldn't quite be classified as "golden age" material, take on one of the greatest female roles in American theater. I was, however, also skeptical because of the negative buzz surrounding the production: numerous cast absenses, the deletion of some Spanish dialogue, and Arthur Laurents's belief that his productions are better than God.

Expecting to see a lifeless revival, I was FLOORED by the production last night. Every moment, every beat, every word, every action had purpose. The production was flawless. My girlfriend, who bought me the tickets for Christmas, enjoys theater but isn't as interested in it as I am. However, we spent hours last night talking about the different choices made by the director and the actors which expresses a great deal about the production.

Having been less than impressed with Matt Cavenaugh on the cast recording (I mean, seriously, hasn't this guy gotten tired of playing Joe ?Kennedy yet?), I was excited to see that Matthew Hydzik's performance was fresh, intimate, and ultimately very moving. The choice to has his last words as he dies in Spanish was brilliant in my opinion because it's showing A) that he's giving his life up because of cultural differences, and B) the two cultures are finally becoming integrated. I've never particular enjoyed these ending moments of West Side Story because I found them to be superficial. Whether than comes from the writing itself or its prevelence in pop culture (i.e. Ugly Betty) I'm not sure. However, this moment truly captured the sentimentes of "the glooming peace" from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Maria was played by Haley Carlucci, who wonderfully captured the character's innocence. Matt and her ability to thrive in the moment and create a sense of passion, while still relatively new in their roles, was icredibly impressive and reflects the power of live theater. One thing that has always baffled me about this piece was how quicky they fall in love and how much it hurts. I understand the relation to Romeo and Juliet and the powers of love and first set etc etc. However, this production never allowed me to question logistics. I was there, with the characters, in moment and along for the ride. Every moment and emotion was felt so clearly thanks to these brilliant performers.

Karen Olivo has a stage presence that you can cut with a knife. From her first appearance in the shop, the audience can discern that she is a force to watch out for. Each of Anita's moments, from the gym to America to her scene with Maria in the bedroom, prepares the audience for her ultimate destruction at the hands of the Jets. Her frantic and hysterical screaming created a haunting image that will not soon be forgotten. I know that many people have had their gripes with Olivo as a performer due to missed shows, etc. But she is giving one of the finest performances by a woman currently on Broadway.

The ensemble didn't dance. They reacted. The dancing in West Side Story is unlike any other production. It reminded me of a "Ars Poetica" in that the movements "do not mean but be." Alive in the moment, the ensemble created a lively, passionate, energetic, and ultimately dangerous New York.

The incorporation of Spanish into the production took the passion, heat, and racism to new heights. I enjoyed Olivo's "Un Hombre Asi," on the cast recording and was initially disappointed to learn it had been changed to "A Boy Like That." However, the Spanish lyrics are integrated flawlessly into the pre-existing English lyrics. My girlfriend is Argentinian and I also speak Spanish, so I am entirely bias on the use of language in the production. However, based on the audience members around me, nothing was lost in translation.

Overall, this production of West Side Story reminded me of how brilliant the work of Bernstein, Sondheim, Laurents, and Robbins is. Their collaboration is seemless and is something that should be studied by creative teams for years to come.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 1/6/10 at 11:45am

I agree with you, glad you enjoyed it.

[rmusic11322]

Posted: 1/6/10 at 2:51pm

Great review. I'm glad you enjoyed the show. I love West Side Story!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 1/6/10 at 8:34pm

>>>"But she is giving one of the finest performances by a woman currently on Broadway."<<<

Have you seen EVERY other female performance to justify that statement?

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 1/6/10 at 8:59pm

Glad you enjoyed. Try to get back to see Josefina as Maria-she is stunning and Karen's understudy, Natalie Cortez. She is also fierce and a better than Olivo IMO.

[Patash]

Posted: 1/6/10 at 9:03pm

>>>"But she is giving one of the finest performances by a woman currently on Broadway."<<<

Have you seen EVERY other female performance to justify that statement?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I'm not getting the logic of that question. The poster didn't say "THE best", but merely "one of the best". She wouldn't have to see EVERY performer to say that. In fact "one of the best" doesn't mean much. If there were 150 women on Broadway and this one wasn't the absolute worst, then technically she'd be "one of the best".

[jonmbway4652]

Posted: 1/6/10 at 11:39pm

Thanks for the wonderful detailed review! I am glad you enjoyed it. I really want to see it!

[HBBrock]

Posted: 1/7/10 at 12:22am

I have not seen West Side Story yet (or ever)...thanks for the spoiler.

[ljay889]

Posted: 1/7/10 at 1:56am

I saw the show tonight for the 5th time, and all I can say is WOW! I will try to post some coherent thoughts.
Let me preface by saying I've seen the 3rd preview. I've seen the show the week after they opened. I saw it in May when the Tony voters were seeing show. And I saw it in August after all of the absences drama.
This was without a doubt the strongest I've ever seen the show, with the May viewing a close second.
I saw Jeremy Jordan as Tony, and I've now seen all 3 Tonys. There are many new faces in the ensemble, including a new Action, Anybodys, and Chino. This was also my first time seeing the show with the reverted English lyrics.
From the moment the show started there was such an intensity and energy shining through the performers, and it kept continuing throughout the night. There was never a dull moment, in my opinion. This was the most energized I've seen the revival. They were just on fire. It was no surprise at intermission that I saw Arthur Laurents in the orchestra with a notepad, he looked VERY happy with the first act.

On to the performances
Jeremy Jordan - FINALLY, a GREAT Tony. He deserves this role full time. He needs to grow a bit more in the role (mainly just needs to be a bit more comfortable on that stage). But he is a vast improvement over Cavenaugh and Hydzik. His voice is lovely, and he doesn't have an insane motor-like vibrato like the two Matts. He finally makes Tony a believable part (or ex-part) of a gang, and Riff's best friend. A Tony who looks the same age as the Jets, wow! His acting was quite good, and with time he will have it all. He really should have this role full time. He and Josefina had an intense and passionate chemstry. One she never had with the two Matts. Also the fact that he doesn't look like a bodybuilder (like Mr. Cavenaugh) helps make his performance more believable.

Josefina - Gave her standard performance. Very solid. Still fake cries....a lot. But she is very good, and deserved her Tony nomination.

John Arthur - An intense Riff, and proves he really deserved this role full time. He really inhabits the character. I can barely remember anything about Cody Green's performance now.

The new additions are all fantastic, and might be even better than the actors who created these roles in the revival.

On to Karen! It is no secret I am a huge Karen fan, and have supported her since the beginning of this revival. WOW. This was the best I've ever seen her. Full of life, energy, and intensity. A Truly POWERFUL performance. I would award her another Tony for this, she is that great. She certainly matches Laura Benanti in Gypsy as one of the great performances by a featured actress in a musical of the past few seasons. I love the Spanglish A Boy LIke That, is it way more effective now. Karen finds new dimensions with the English lyrics, and she totally took it a new level tonight. I used to tout her interpretation of the song as more of a plead to Maria, opposed to just yelling at her. But now she finds a successful medium between both. Now she IS angry, but also desperately pleading. Her "rape" scene is still stunningly heartbreaking. She is truly giving a "blazing" performance, as my signature states. And before any of you accuse me, I will admit this is one of the few performers who brings out a fanboy nature in me. But no, I am not crazy like N2N fans. I just truly love her performance.

I really wish all of the naysayers would give this West Side one more chance. I honestly believe this is a better show than what opened last March. Maybe they were so ferocious because of Arthur being in attendance, but who knows? I hope they keep it at this energy level permanently.

After the show I approached Arthur, and told how much I enjoy this revival. He was actually very kind and congenial to me. I am glad I had the guts to approach him at that moment.

Sorry if this was incoherent, it's late!

Updated On: 1/7/10 at 01:56 AM

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 1/7/10 at 2:00am

ljay, the chemistry of Josefina and Karen in that number is simply terrific I think!

I'd pick Karen over Laura any day...

[alightinthedark23]

Posted: 1/7/10 at 2:10am

I also saw West Side Story tonight and I couldn't agree more with Ljay. I thought the whole cast was simply on fire. Karen Olivo took it to the next level and I was in awe of how spot on she was tonight. I loved the Spanglish in "A Boy LIke That" and it was definitely more angry instead of the pleading she has done. She was phenomenal.

I also thought Jeremy was by the far the best Tony they have had for the revival. I have seem Matt C and Matt H and I honestly believe that Jeremy blows them away. For once, tonight is believable! I wish that there was a way he could take over the role full time because he really is good.

[Gatsby28]

Posted: 1/7/10 at 2:30am

Dollypop, while I found your post humorously witty, I can't help but find your sardonic tone one of the reasons that there exists a great dichotomy between people on this message board.

With condescending tones, you create an atmosphere that is quite unwelcoming and while you think you are funny, you are simply ruining the act of conversing about theater.


I'd love to see Natalie play Anita. I thoroughly enjoyed her performane in A Chorus Line even though many others did not.

ljay, I agree that Riff was indeed passionate and intense. His acting conveyed a true sense of brotherhood, which is a theme integral to the work.

[peachesr]

Posted: 1/7/10 at 6:28am

I'm so pleased to read something positive about this show on here because it has always seemed to be loathed by people. I saw it before Christmas and thought it was wonderful.