WEST Side Story, with its iconic music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, remains a timeless and contemporary classic.
Set in New York’s West Side, the original Broadway show burst onto the stage in 1957, becoming an instant hit.
In 1961, the film adaptation of the show came out, starring Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, and George Chakiris, amongst others.
It is regarded as one of the best musical films ever made, with its high-energy, all-singing, all-dancing score, which won a total of 10 Oscars at the 34th Academy Awards in 1962.
So then, this modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, exploring love, social tension and prejudice of immigrants, had a lot to live up to for an amateur drama group.
Studley Operatic Society’s production, which runs at the Palace Theatre, Redditch, until April 18, did not disappoint. In fact, it delighted, entertained, and enthralled its audience from beginning to the very end, where you could have heard a pin drop.
From the very beginning, which opens with a balletic prologue depicting escalating tensions between the rival street gangs, the Jets, comprised of ‘American’ boys and the immigrant Puerto Rican Sharks, members of the audience knew they were in for a treat.
Surely this had to be Am-Dram at its very best.
Spectacular choreography by Debbie Mitchell set the scene from the off with a strong cast of leads and supporting actors. All 100 per cent present and committed to their roles.
Sublime singing from the leads, with standout performances by Paul Mitchell as Tony, whose voice is as mellifluous as they come.
Dancing and musical teacher Molly-Rose Pughe shone as the feisty Anita in her first performance with SOS. She completely held the stage during her many songs – it was difficult to believe this was a non-professional cast.
The innocence of Maria was delightfully captured by Laura Munro, and her first duet with Paul Mitchell (Tony) completely encapsulated the heady feeling of a first love.
Also worthy of a mention is Ed Mears as the Jets’ leader, Riff and Edward Morgan as Action, but really, the entire ensemble deserves fulsome praise for such superb performances.
The vocals were top-notch and were a sound to behold. Accompanied by a 14-piece orchestra under the musical direction of Nick Allen, it is no mean feat to sing live music (whilst performing and dancing).
All those favourite songs – Maria, America, Tonight, I Feel Pretty, Somewhere, Cool, sung superbly and fantastically well.
Acting, too, was admirably accomplished under the dynamic direction of husband and wife team Alison and Kevin Hirons.
The atmosphere in the house was genuinely electric as the final scene unfolded with a distraught Maria confronting the two gangs.
And it has to be said that there was a distinctive sound of sniffing from the audience at the final, tragic moment, which demonstrated that the drama had made its mark.
Bravo SOS, encore. You did not disappoint.
West Side Story runs at the Palace Theatre, Redditch, until April 18 with matinee and evening performances. Click here for times and tickets.
