West Side Story – reviewed by Shirley Politzer
What makes a good night at the theatre?- a story that resonates, vibrancy, colour, emotion, great music, talented musicians and choreography, purposeful lighting, clear sound, the list goes on.
Well, you can’t go past the outdoor Handa Opera “West Side Story”, directed by Francesca Zambello, to find all of this and more.
The Jets in West Side Story on Sydney Harbour.
Photo Credit: Keith Saunders.
The opening night just sparkled-bubbly flowed, personalities dressed every which way, excitement in the air, then everyone seated in silence as the amazing orchestra (performing in the “Underworld” under the stage) conducted by Guy Simpson played the Overture. Beautiful melodies like “Somewhere”, “America” and “One Hand One Heart” wafted towards the shining stars to set the scene. From the first finger clicks on the massive open-air stage to the dramatic ending, we are transported to the streets of 1957 New York City, where we find the warring Jets (a gang of white “American” boys) and Sharks (a Puerto Rican gang).
It is a simple and timeless story of racial intolerance as well as a love story between Maria (Puerto Rican) and Tony (American ), a love that can never be. The story, based on Shakespeares “Romeo and Juliet”, unfolds with Bernstein’s zingy jazz and latin tunes as well as lyrical ballads and classical music.
Nina Korbe, making her theatrical debut with Opera Australia as Maria, is a talented young First Nations soprano who is actively involved in encouraging the musical careers of other Indigenous voices. She has a powerful and beautiful operatic voice. Billy Bourchier as Tony, (former leader of the Jets) in his second role for Opera Australia, displayed his warm and luscious tenor voice, so suitable for his hit songs. Together, they have strong chemistry and breathe life into their music, especially on the final high note of “Tonight”.
Having played the role of Francisca in the 2019 performances of West Side Story, Kimberley Hodgson has returned to play the role of the fiery Anita (Maria’s friend). She is a strong lead for the girls singing and dancing in “America” and makes us uncomfortable to watch the taunting scene.
Billy Bourchier as Tony and Nina Korbe as Maria in West Side Story on Sydney Harbour.
Photo Credit: Keith Saunders.
Most of the 44 members of the cast are “triple threat” performers-they are multi-talented and well-rounded in acting, dancing and singing. All of these skills were so well accomplished in songs like “Cool”, “Dance at the Gym’ and “The Rumble”. The large and intricate dance scenes of the gangs, with the spectacle of colour and physical strength were full of masculine vitality, requiring the dancers to be leaping into the air as well as having perfect unity as a group. It may be taken for granted how good the choreography and dancing is, but when it is considered that the stage is on a slope (a raked stage) and on some nights it could be raining, that elevates it to a new level.
Four wonderful Jewish performers were included in the cast: Doron Chester in his feature role as Gladhand wearing his unmissable orange suit, Noah Missell (male swing), Chloe Marshall (Jets-Clarice) and Jamie Reisin (Jets-Snowboy)
With the world class backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House and the unique waterfront opera venue complete with fireworks, this show has appeal to newcomers to the musical theatre world, die-hard theatre fans and no doubt tourists as well. The show’s captivating songs, exhilarating choreography and Broadway hit tunes, combined with the wonderful talents of every performer, set, lighting and costume designers and the director means this show is a winner again and not to be missed. In 2019, over 65,000 tickets were snapped up, making it the most popular of Handa Opera’s productions to date.
The opening night finished with a standing ovation, well deserved by all the cast and crew.
WEST SIDE STORY
Music-Leonard Bernstein Lyrics-Stephen Sondheim Book-Arthur Laurents
22 March -21 April Fleet Steps. Mrs Macquaries Point
