Review: West Side Story (UK Tour) at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

West Side Story (UK Tour) 

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 11th February 2014

West Side Story, which first opened on Broadway in 1957, is a show which holds a very special place in many people’s hearts. Based on Romeo and Juliet, Arthur Laurents (book), Leonard Bernstein (music) and Stephen Sondheim's (lyrics) musical is set on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and explores the rivalry between two teenage gangs - one white, the other Puerto Rican. Tony falls in love with Maria, the sister of the rival gang’s leader but their relationship blossoms... that is until Tony kills Maria's sister. 

Following a run at Sadler's Wells last year, West Side Story is back on the road. This was my first time seeing the show and whilst I wasn't bowled over by the story, the cast give sterling performances and the score is deserving of its iconic status.

Katie Hall, who most recently starred as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, gives the stand out performance as Maria. She brings the character alive and has the most incredible soprano voice which effortlessly glides over the score. She stars opposite Louis Maskell as Tony whose rendition of 'Maria' was the highlight of the evening.

Frustratingly the sound levels didn't seem right as the orchestra often drowned out the casts vocals and during scenes the sound was certainly on the quiet side. Jerome Robbins choreography is breathtakingly brilliant, particularly during the opening and the astoundingly stunning 'Somewhere'. 

During scenes I didn't always believe that the male ensemble were members of the two rival gags - The Jets and The Sharks. Their movement and actions seemed a little too forced. However, all was forgiven during the musical numbers as the entire cast were superb, executing the choreography faultlessly. There is almost too much talent on one stage!

West Side Story is such a historic musical which everybody should see at least once in their lifetime. Although I felt it lacked a certain charm, the cast are utterly terrific and even those unfamiliar with the show will realise that they know two or three of the musical numbers. Fans of West Side Story will not be disappointed by this touring production which has already sold out at most venues. I hear tickets are like gold-dust!

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins
andrew@westendframe.com

West Side Story runs at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre until Saturday 15th February 2014. The production continues to tour the UK until August, including a run at the Milton Keynes Theatre between 3rd and 14th June. Please visit www.westsidestorytheshow.co.uk for further information, full tour dates and tickets.

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