West Side Story. For years I have been picking up references to this play in books, TV shows, and movies. Just like The Lion King, it was one of those pop culture things that I just knew about, without actually knowing any detail. It’s that Romeo and Juliet adaptation – the one with the song about ‘feeling pretty’. Right?
When I saw that a local production of the play would be staged at the Artscape Opera House, I jumped at the chance to finally put all the fragments I had in my mind together. Early reviews already promised a spectacular show, with Jonathan Roxmouth’s version of Tony getting very high praise. I was also keen to see the set design: the choices directors make when trying to bring the scenes to life are always interesting.
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| Artscape |
From the first scene to the last, the music of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra gave an ambience to the play. While it would be easy for a performer to be overpowered by a full orchestra, Bianca le Grange (Anita) , Filipa van Eck (Maria) and Roxmouth were more than equal to the task, carrying the songs beautifully.
Roxmouth and van Eck played the two ill-fated lovers with dedication and honesty. When they were on stage, I was there with them – on the streets of New York. Their performance of “Tonight” was truly magnificent; the duet was further enhanced by the perfect lighting which set the scene. It was as if I were standing on a balcony across from the couple’s building, watching them on a starry night. I’ll just say it: it was romantic.
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| Jesse Kramer |
The choreography of the ensemble scenes, at the dance and the rumble, was a delight to watch. In a type of dance of their own, the various moving set pieces – the staircases, the walls and the floor that became a roof – glided together and broke apart seamlessly. It offered another layer of visual interest: the eye was never quite sure where to move next.
The production was enthralling. There will always be something arresting about sitting in a theatre and watching actors weave vibrant storylines using little more than their voices and their bodies. I could watch West Side Story at least twice more, and I would probably find something new to enjoy about it.
It is running until 23 August 2015 – book while there is still a chance!
Nkhensani Manabe 