“West Side Story”

Highly Recommended **** It is wonderful to be back in the theater again. Yes, for many people it has been two years since they have watched a live performance. Judging from the almost full house, opening night at Marriott Theatre for “West Side Story”, one could see that the atmosphere was one of enjoyment, excitement and love. One must remember that this musical was revolutionary in its time and in many ways changed the way we view “musical theater”! With its book by Arthur Laurents that is loosely based on a work by William Shakespeare called “Romeo & Juliet”. In his version it is not the Montagues and Capulets, but rather the White people versus the Puerto Ricans, and our star-crossed lovers do not end up exactly the way they do in the work of the Bard.

With music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this musical is filled with memorable songs like “Maria”, “Tonight”, “I Feel Pretty”, “Somewhere” and the comic “Dear Officer Krupke” and many more. It has been around for many years, and I truly think every stage that holds musicals in Chicago has had a production, at least once. Marriott, the only true “in-the-round-venue has a fairly small stage area, and I was concerned as to how they would or even could stage some of the big dance numbers on it. I must say that Director Victor Malana Maog and Choreographer Alex Sanchez amazed us all with what they did on this stage. The dance numbers were amazing. A mix of typical Broadway steps, jazz, modern dance and Ballet. The dance sequence in “Somewhere” was powerful and a great story telling scene.

The ladies in “America” rocked! The “Rumble” was filled with realism that one sees very clearly when in an intimate theater like Marriott. Patti Garwood and her 8 piece orchestra truly made the music fill the theater with just the right touch. It The performers, many of whom were not born when the original show was created, or even the film (first version) understood the characters and the story to perfection. From our vantage point, we could not only hear every word said and sung, but could also see their faces allowing us to see the emotions of each character as written and performed. A great ensemble makes for a great production.

In the main roles, Maria is played Lauren Maria Medina who has a lovely voice, is a solid dancer and won me over as she made this young newcomer to New York wanting love and harmony. Jake David Smith as Tony is for the most part the best vocalist I have seen play this part, but his physical look and movement was not the “Tony”I was expecting. Gary Cooper (Bernardo) is a smooth dancer and his girlfriend Anita is played to perfection by Vanessa Aurora Sierra. Her voice is powerful, and she can truly move. Riff is played by Drew Redington and I was quite impressed by Marisa Fee as “Anybodys’, a character of importance (maybe more now so, than when the play was first performed) that goes unnoticed in many productions.

The three adult roles are played by three Chicago theater veterans, Lance Baker, Matt De Carp and Bret Tuomi- they are terrific. Also of note, during the “Somewhere” sequence, Sophia Marie Guerroro takes on a solo part and nails it! The Jets and Sharks are very important to this play and story so hats off to all of these youngsters: Alejandro Fonseca, Jorge Guerra, Sophie Marie Guerrero, Cameron Hlzman, Taylor Lane, Risa Nicole, Kevin Nietzel, Omar Nieves, Emmanual Ramirez, Alexa Racioppi, Sam Rohloff, Laura Savage, Maria Cristina Posada Slye (who was a major part of “America” number). Kyra Soece, Alex Joseph Stewart, Calvin Ticknor-Swanson, Marta Timmerman, Marco Antonio Tzunux (Chino), Jonathan Warner and Miranda Borkan. They are all terrific and make this 2 hours and 25 minutes of story telling a theatrical experience to remember. BRAVO!

Marriott Theatre audiences know that the sets are quite simple, as it is in-the-round so the sight lines must be clear. I will say that the way they did the fire escape in this version is far better than previously done so hats off to Jeffrey D. Kmiec (and I loved the windows of the area buildings). Jesse Klug’s lighting, Michael Daly’s sound and Amanda Vander Byl’s costumes were as usual right on. Marriott Theatre is a leader of theaters, and they are great at making “old shows, new” on their stage. As we left for the theater Jane mentioned just how many times she has seen “West Side Story” (lots) and of course, during the pandemic, the new film version. As I always tell her, every live production is unique based on the cast, the director and the creativity. As the music began and the youngsters entered the stage, I saw her face light up and I knew she was hooked. So, no matter how many times you have seen it, you might just want to see what Victor Malana Maog and Alex Sanchez have done to take you back to 1957 New York for “West Side Story”. Bring tissues-this has always been a three-tissue ending for me! 

“West Side Story” will continue at Marriott Theatre located in Lincolnshire at ten Marriott Drive thru March 27th with performances as follows:

Wednesdays 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays 7:30 p.m.

Fridays 8 p.m.

Saturdays 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sundays 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Tickets range from $50 to $60 and are available by calling 847-634-0200 or online at www.MarriottTheatre.com

There is senior, student and military discounts available.

Chicago Theatre Week is 2/17-2/27 special prices visit www.ChicagoTheatreWeek.com

On Wednesday and Thursday there are some dinner/theatre options- call 847-634-0100

The theatre is located in Lincolnshire, just South of Half Day Road and East of Milwaukee Ave. with loads of free parking as well as valet parking.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “West Side Story”.