BWW Reviews: WEST SIDE STORY at the Capitol Theatre is Authentic and Timeless

The touring production of West Side Story, currently playing at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City, is authentic and timeless.

West Side Story (book by Aurthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim) is without question one of the greatest classics of musical theatre. It tells the simple story of a boy named Tony, who was once a member of a gang called the Jets, and a girl named Maria, whose brother is the leader of the Jets' sworn enemies, the Sharks. They easily fall in love with one another, but they soon learn that tragic consequences await.

Arguably the most iconic element of West Side Story is its dancing, and this production does not disappoint. The cast members are clearly well-trained, and their lines are beautiful as they execute Jerome Robbin's classic choreography, reproduced by Joey McKneely.

The lighting design by Howell Binkley, scenic design by James Youmans, and costume design by David C. Woolard come together in a way that is sleek, colorful, and timeless.

A unique element of the Broadway revival that this touring production stemmed from was the use of Spanish dialogue and lyrics throughout the scenes and songs involving the Puerto Rican characters. The practice continues as part of this production, which adds an aura of authenticity to the proceedings. The translations by Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the Tony-winning musical In the Heights, mesh seamlessly with Laurent's dialogue and Sondheim's lyrics.

MaryJoanna Grisso has a sweet soprano voice and projects a pure spirit as Maria. She seems awkwardly mismatched with Addison Reid Coe as Tony, who is much taller and doesn't have a voice that complements hers. Unfortunately, this casting diminishes the heft of the emotional core at the show's center.

However, Michelle Alves (Anita), who was born and raised in Puerto Rico, infuses every scene she's in with passion and fire. Her voice is rich, her acting is powerful, and her dancing is top-notch.

Many of the strengths of this production, and of the musical itself, are on display during a three-scene section in the second act. First, is the wonderfully performed "Somewhere," which puts the spotlight on the themes of the story and the dance prowess of the ensemble. Next is "Gee, Officer Krupke," which highlights the great comedic skills of the actors portraying the Jets, led by Louie Napoleon as Action. Then comes the emotional duet "A Boy Like That"/"I Have a Love," sung to perfection by Alves and Grisso.

This section of the show is just representative of its many great moments, but it alone is worth your time to see this production while it's here.

West Side Story plays the Capitol Theatre for a limited engagement through Sunday, April 21, 2013. For tickets, call ArtTix at 801-355-ARTS (2787) or visit www.arttix.org.

Photo Credit: West Side Story Company. © Carol Rosegg 2012.

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