Review: WEST SIDE STORY at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

"But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks"

This line from Romeo & Juliet is one of the most famous moments in theatrical history. Romeo & Juliet is arguably the most beloved and notable love story in the world. Star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, continue to evolve, with one of their most notable contemporaries as West Side Story's Tony and Maria.

West Side Story is a colossus. Beautiful music. Timeless drama. Originally debuting on Broadway in 1957, it was created by a phenomenal team: Arthur Laurents (book), Leonard Bernstein (music), Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) and Jerome Robbins (director and choreographer). Many may remember the 1961 film version starring Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno, which garnered the latter an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Don Berlin took on directing this giant of a show, performing now at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Johnstown until November 15th. The night I saw this production, the cast was plagued with injuries/illness and required four actors to play different roles, including choreographer, Matthew D. Peters, who got the opportunity to perform his choreography, based on the original by Jerome Robbins, alongside the rest of the cast. The joys of live theatre, folks! Some of the memorable dancers include Bob Hoppe's Riff, the leader of the Jets, and Tess Victoria, Riff's girl Graziella. Also worthy of a mention was the magnificent 11 piece orchestra, led by Casey Cropp.

When young, sheltered Maria (Kimberly Ann Crawford) falls instantly in love with Tony (Scott Severtson) at the school dance, you know it's not going to end well. During the iconic Romeo & Juliet moment mentioned earlier, as Crawford and Severtson stand atop a steel framed balcony, designed beautifully by Glenn Grassi, the chemistry between the young lovers was dry. The music was sung wonderfully; however, West Side Story is, at its core, a love story and if the audience is not rooting for the lovers than someone has unfortunately missed the mark.

Some memorable moments included: Jason Vargas, who stepped into the role of Action and led the Jets in "Officer Krupke" which was one of the best moments of the show, additional tap steps and all. Jessica R. Hindsley's feisty Anita broke hearts during "A Boy Like That/I Have a Love." Melissa Morris is also notable as the tomboyish Anybodys. However, the most poignant moment came in the last 30 seconds. Doc, portrayed exquisitely by veteran performer Joey Wishnia, is so overcome by emotion that he almost passes out. He truly embodied the audience's emotions in that moment of frustration and heartache.

It is worth getting to the end, just to witness that moment.

West Side Story performs at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse through November 15th. Tickets are available at Coloradocandlelight.com or by calling the Box Office at 970-744-3747.

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