2008 Woodie Awards
"West Side Story" bares its teeth
Michael DiGrande
Issue date: 4/29/08 Section: Arts and Entertainment
The aim of good theater is almost exclusively to provide insight into universal abstracts in an over the top and dramatic fashion. As funny as it sounds, there are truths to be gleaned from flashy costumes, big dance numbers, and intense stage combat.
Such is the case with Sonoma State University's production of "West Side Story." Running on an ambitious double bill with "Romeo & Juliet," the Amanda McTigue directed "West Side" opened on April 17 to a hungry crowd that all but filled Person Theatre.
The cast did not disappoint either, offering over two hours of incredibly passionate theater that wrestled with complex themes of entitlement and pride. Arturo Spell's wistful singing nicely augmented his charming interpretation of Tony. Solo numbers such as "Something's Coming" showcased his syrupy alto while adding to the huge scope of the production. Cast opposite Spell is Christa Durand in the role of Maria. Her fluttering operatic timber posed a softer counterbalance to Spell, and the two vocally complimented each other perfectly.
And unlike many theater productions, "West Side's" supporting cast is seeped in grittiness, adding to authenticity of the world.
The fierce juxtaposition of Nate Anderson's Riff to Justin Levine's bombastic Bernardo, sets up a positively savage rivalry that pits their respective gangs against one another. Anderson's strong sense of what the Jets are entitled to caustically clashes with the Shark's, and Levine's, sense of old world pride.
Elsewhere, Megan Howard's saucy take on Anita and Noah Zepponi's stoic portrayal of Officer Krupke added depth and sharp comedic value, balancing the bitter feuding between the gangs. Having actors like Howard and Zepponi scaling back the seriousness, prevented "West Side" from merely being a series of street brawls and added a great amount of life to the production. From Xander Thompson's as the hot-headed Action to Christina Ratajczak's innocent Rosalia, the character diversity amongst the cast makes for an exciting neighborhood.
Such is the case with Sonoma State University's production of "West Side Story." Running on an ambitious double bill with "Romeo & Juliet," the Amanda McTigue directed "West Side" opened on April 17 to a hungry crowd that all but filled Person Theatre.
The cast did not disappoint either, offering over two hours of incredibly passionate theater that wrestled with complex themes of entitlement and pride. Arturo Spell's wistful singing nicely augmented his charming interpretation of Tony. Solo numbers such as "Something's Coming" showcased his syrupy alto while adding to the huge scope of the production. Cast opposite Spell is Christa Durand in the role of Maria. Her fluttering operatic timber posed a softer counterbalance to Spell, and the two vocally complimented each other perfectly.
And unlike many theater productions, "West Side's" supporting cast is seeped in grittiness, adding to authenticity of the world.
The fierce juxtaposition of Nate Anderson's Riff to Justin Levine's bombastic Bernardo, sets up a positively savage rivalry that pits their respective gangs against one another. Anderson's strong sense of what the Jets are entitled to caustically clashes with the Shark's, and Levine's, sense of old world pride.
Elsewhere, Megan Howard's saucy take on Anita and Noah Zepponi's stoic portrayal of Officer Krupke added depth and sharp comedic value, balancing the bitter feuding between the gangs. Having actors like Howard and Zepponi scaling back the seriousness, prevented "West Side" from merely being a series of street brawls and added a great amount of life to the production. From Xander Thompson's as the hot-headed Action to Christina Ratajczak's innocent Rosalia, the character diversity amongst the cast makes for an exciting neighborhood.
Be the first to comment on this story