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| The Jets in Opera Australia's production of "West Side Story" Photo: Prudence Upton |
Book by Arthur Laurents - Music by Leonard Bernstein –
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Directed by Francesca Zambello – Musical Direction by
Guy Simpson Associate Direction and Choreograph by Julio Monge
Set Designed by Brian Thomson – Costumes Designed by
Jennifer Irwin
Lighting designed by John Rayment
Presented by Handa Opera on Sydney Harbor until 21st
April, 2019
Opening night performance on 22nd March
reviewed by Bill Stephens
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| Shark girls in "West Side Story" Photo: Prudence Upton |
Though it might have been a controversial choice to
stage West Side Story as the first
musical in the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour series, this brilliant production,
under the inspired direction of International opera director, Francesca
Zambello, reveals why this show is being embraced by opera companies around the
world, and offers such a thrilling theatrical experience that it will become a yardstick
for judging future HOSH productions.
The brainchild of choreographer, Jerome Robbins who
harnessed the formidable talents of Leonard Bernstein (music), Stephen Sondheim
(lyrics) and Arthur Laurents (book) to create a Romeo and Juliet musical, West
Side Story broke away from the conventions of the time, tackling New York’s
contemporary immigration issues by focusing on warring street gangs.
The show was recognised as a masterpiece from the
beginning and over the years has lost none of its power. Its characters and
situations remain as vivid as ever, and this relatively straight- forward
production, devised by Francesca Zambello and her creatives, is a persuasive
demonstration of why.
By avoiding the temptation to embellish the actual
work, but embracing the opportunities offered by the unique outdoor Sydney
Harbour location, every element serves the original concept.
Brian Thomson has devised a striking, atmospheric
setting which includes rail carriages covered in graffiti, New York
fire-escapes and part of a huge overpass through which glimpses of the Sydney
skyline, Harbour Bridge and Opera House form part of the vista. Most of the
action takes place on a huge raked stage painted to resemble a basketball
court. Large scenic elements move seamlessly into place as required.
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| The Shark Girls Photo: Prudence Upton |
The ensemble of talented triple-threat performers ignored the daunting rake of the stage, as well as the driving rain which persisted during the first hour of the performance on opening night, attacking Robbins’ still remarkable choreography with thrilling energy and attention to detail.
Indeed, it was a huge pleasure to see this
choreography, an essential part of the production, reproduced with such
authenticity by choreographer, Julio Monge, who had previously worked with
Jerome Robbins and is now entrusted with recreating his West Side Story choreography in opera houses around the world. Utilising
the same number of dancers as in the original 1957 production, Monge has taken
advantage of the huge stage area to add speed and spectacle, without
sacrificing any of the meticulous attention to line and phrasing which characterises
the Robbins style.
Jennifer Irwin’s stylish costumes, vibrant red and
yellows for the Puerto Rican Sharks, cool blues and greens for the West Side
Jets, also complimented the choreography while differentiating the dueling
factions.
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| Alexander Lewis (Tony) - Julie Lea Goodwin (Maria) Photo: Keith Saunders |
Julie Lea Goodwin played Maria in a 2010 production of
West Side Story, and in the
intervening years has established herself in opera. Her Maria in this
production has grown in stature and confidence and is now totally captivating.
Her radiant voice soars in “Tonight”; she’s frivolous and silly in “I feel
Pretty”, and deeply moving in “Somewhere”.
Matching her performance, Alexander Lewis as Tony is
intense and passionate. In great voice he brings operatic heft to his ecstatic,
swooning renditions of “Tonight” and “Maria”. His scenes with Goodwin have real
chemistry and their duets together are sheer joy.
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| Karli Dinardo (Anita) - Waldemar Quinones-Villanueva (Bernardo) Photo: Prudence Upton |
Returning from New York, Melbourne-born Karli Dinardo
is making her Australian debut as the feisty, Anita. Dinardo is a firecracker
performer who dances up a storm in the Gym scene, blazes through “A Boy like
That”, while managing to imbue her relationship with Maria with an unexpected
softness and depth that is very appealing.
Handsome and virile, Puerto Rican ballet dancer, Waldemar
Quinones-Villanueva scores as Anita’s fiery boyfriend, Bernardo, and Mark Hill makes
a strong impression as the unfortunate Riff. Among other fine performances,
David Whitney brings depth to his role as Doc, and an almost unrecognizable
Scott Irwin raises hackles as the bullying Lt. Shrank. |
| Scott Irwin (Lt. Shrank) - David Whitney (Doc) - The Jets Photo: Prudence Upton |
Excellent sound design which ensured that the lyrics and
dialogue were crystal clear, and that the nuances of orchestration in Bernstein’s
stunning score, given an exciting performance
by the large orchestra conducted by Guy Simpson, added icing to the cake.
Don’t be deterred by the possibility of rain. Plastic
ponchos can be purchased at the venue, and curiously, a shower of rain seems to
add to the uniqueness of the outdoor experience. But whatever you do don’t miss
this production of West Side Story. You’re
unlikely to see a better one.
