West Side Story at Wales Millennium Centre Review
West Side Story
Wales Millennium Centre
12-23 August 2014
Reviewed by Lee-Anne McCarthy
I want to live in America, I feel pretty, Gee Officer Krupke just a few of the fantastic tunes stuck in my head for last 24 hours. Now, that is the sign of an amazing show, to absorb the viewer so completely that even the next day the tunes are being hummed under your breathe. This isn’t the first time I’ve been lucky enough to see this show I started my own love story on my own honeymoon watching this very show on Broadway. So going to review this show I had very high expectations and I wasn’t disappointed.
West Side Story is a tale of two star crossed lovers a story inspired by the works of the great bard William Shakespeare. Set in the tenements of migrant New York, in the 1950’s, it’s a tale of love across the boundaries of the two gangs at war the Jets and the Sharks. The show is one that takes you through the most intimate moments of Tony and Maria’s lives from them dreaming of that chance meeting with that special someone, to the time they fall completely in love with one another and finally to their learning of the pain of lost love. It’s a timeless story and one that would engage any audience member.
This production of West Side Story was incredibly well done. The set was simple yet incredibly intricate the way it moved and changed to create completely different scenes. The set design gave me a real understanding of the cramped, difficult and in some cases darn right dangerous nature of the tenements in 1950’s New York.
The touring productions entire ensemble performed phenomenally, like a beautiful well-oiled machine. The dancing was completely entrancing from the brutal warring gang scenes to the delicate ballet scenes every moment I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage. Tony was played by Louis Maskell who wasn’t what I expected Tony to be but when he sang his voice was one you could lose yourself in and he became every inch the Tony I imagined. During his singing of Maria the hairs on the back of my neck quite literally stood on end. Maria was played by Katie Hall who portrayed wonderfully the young innocence of Maria. I really felt as you watched the show you saw this beautiful naive young girl become a more determined and experienced young woman. I have always had a favourite character for me that was always Anita and this productions Anita was absolutely outstanding. Djalenga Scott was amazing as the spirited hot headed Latina. The performance of America had me dancing and singing along in my seat much to my neighbour’s dismay. With incredible music, formidable cast and breath-taking dancing this touring production stood shoulder to shoulder with the production I first experienced in New York a number of years ago.
With just two weeks at the Millennium Centre it really is a must see production. It’s a story that appeals to all sexes and all ages and with its incredible music and choreography there really is something for everyone to enjoy. I give this show a fantastic 4 out of 5.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £18 to £42 (plus £1.50 transaction fee).
West Side Story is at the Wales Millennium Centre until 23 August 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 029 2063 6464.
Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5AL | 029 2063 6464