The Oriental Theatre is hosting West Side Story for one week only. Playing from June 11th-June 16th, this classic musical still holds up to the test of time. Laced throughout with dazzling choreography reproduced by Tony Award nominee, Joey McKneely, West Side Story is a visual spectacle that rivals any dance filled show.
The modern take on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is the story of two rival gangs in New York – the Jets, a collection of white street hoodlums, and the Sharks, a group of Puerto Ricans trying to make their stake in America. Like the Shakespeare tale, everything becomes complicated when a boy and girl from opposite sides fall in love. Ignorance and violence turns what could have been a breakthrough between rivals into senseless tragedy.
As definitive the dance numbers are the assortment of songs performed – and incredibly well, at that. The audience is truly treated to one classic number after another including, “Tonight”, “Somewhere”, “Cool”, “Gee, Officer Krupke” and “I Feel Pretty”. Addison Reid Coe is just stupendous as “Tony” and really gets to display his vocal prowess in a shining rendition of “Maria”. Other standouts in the talented cast are Michelle Alves as “Anita” who sings and dances her way into everyone’s hearts in “America” and Mary Joanna Grisso who plays an amazing “Maria”. My only complaint during the entire production is that “Bernardo’s” Puerto Rican accent annoying slips in an out to the point of distraction.
Overall, the dancing and singing make this construction of West Side Story a memorable experience. The dance numbers are simply astounding to watch, the costumes colorful, the set creative and the singing elegant.
For more information on West Side Story at the Oriental Theatre, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.