Following the spectacular success of Carousel and Phantom of the Opera, our 2018 summer youth production brings to life the tale of two young lovers caught between prejudice and warring street gangs in one of the most memorable and greatest love stories of all time. This powerful interpretation of Romeo and Juliet proves to be as poignant and timely as ever bringing together two masters, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim in a score regarded as the best ever written.
Whether you’re a Jet or a Shark you will be hard pressed to not enjoy this production of West Side Story. The fact that it’s a youth production quickly fades away as the presentation is of a very high standard. As we journey along with the warring gangs and the classic songs that we all know and love we are transported easily to the mean streets of 1950’s New York, not least by the exemplary set design that allows great movement for all performers whilst maintaining that real feeling or the 2 sides of the street. The main players belt out the songs as if their lives depended on them and applause is not only deserved but feels compulsory for such performances. The backing singers and dancers also hold up their end and display an impressive range that give the whole thing that ‘big show’ feeling. Especially of note where some of the younger players including the sight of 2 of youngest fully embroiled in the ‘rumble’ that would have put WWE to shame! The addition of a live band, squirreled away in the bowels of the theatre, really ties the whole thing together and maintains the energy that can only come from live performances. The whole crew should be commended for lighting, technical, set etc. as for an opening night mistakes where very minimal and the whole show came across as one well-oiled machine.
West Side Story runs at Newtownabbey’s Theatre At The Mill until 4th Aug 2018. Tickets and info can be found here.
