The revival of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s West Side Story hit the stage at the State Fair Music Hall with lots of Latin flair. The opening night of the Dallas Summer Musicals’ West Side Story was packed with fans of the classic Broadway musical. A few Fosse-esque dance moves added to Jerome Robbins’ choreography updated the show and made this slightly more urban, bi-lingual version of West Side Story jump off the stage with a renewed energy and excitement that brought the show to life.
With Maria, Anita and the Sharks singing Stephen Sondheim’s classic songs like “America“, “I Feel Pretty” and “Tonight” in Spanish, with lyrics by Tony Award winner (In The Heights), Lin-Manuel Miranda, giving West Side Story a kick and a more authentic realism. You could feel the tension between the two gangs and got a full sense of Lt, Schrank’s hatred of the Sharks.
As a fan of the 1962 movie starring Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, Richard Beymer and George Chakiris, it was a pleasure to see the show on stage. Evy Ortiz’ and Ross Lekites are wonderful as the star-crossed lovers, Maria and Tony, Their voices soared in perfect harmony in songs like “One Hand, One Heart” and “Tonight“. Michelle Aravena was a spicy Anita to German Santiago’s hot-blooded Bernardo.
West Side Story is playing at the Fair Park Music Hall through October 23, 2011. Parental guidance is suggested for this show. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. Please note that this show contains gang simulated masturbation