This week, Melton Mowbray's very own Sky Theatre* are putting on a production of West Side Story at the Melton Theatre, after the success of their previous shows such as last year's Singing In The Rain.
* disclaimer: I do know a few members of this cast including my boyfriend Ellis, fellow Cornwall goer Gwilym, and chum James. All opinions however are truly my own and I promise now I'm not being biased! (Well, I'll try not to be...)
West Side Story
It began as a book, took to the stage in 1957, and the film we all know and love entered screens in 1961. Inspired by William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is set in the Upper-West side of New York City during the 1950s following the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks; two teenage street gangs with different ethnic backgrounds. It's a classic girl-meets-boy story, with a dated yet modern twist on gang conflict.
The Story
Being a split-cast production, I had the pleasure of seeing Adam Pugh as Tony, Tilly Goodwin as Maria, May Perks as Anybody's, and Ellis Barthorpe as Riff, but all cast members were present to tell this gripping tale. Now, although the show has some dark themes to represent - especially towards the end of the plot- the Sky Theatre cast take on their roles with true spirit and bring humour, grace, and dedication to the production from the first whistle and click that opens the show.
Whether its Tony and Maria's tragic love story, or Riff and Bernardo's tainted feud, the cast effortlessly pull together the plot which helps bring real emotion to everyone watching. The gangs are kept at bay by Jak Beasley's threatening performance as Officer Shrank.
The Music
While the acting tackles some serious storylines and social issues, the music and dancing bring the characters to life! I know for a fact I will be singing "America" in my head for the next few days with Rosalia's 'tropical' vocals (played by Maisie-Beth Strong), and "The Jet Song" is another catchy number that introduces us to the lovable gang, The Jets. Maria and Tony (played by Adam and Tilly) had fantastic vocals that left me with goose bumps, and their songs will warm any romance lover's heart. The third and final song to mention is "Officer Krupke", with Gwilym Roberts (playing Action) leading the comedy number in the second half after the drama really kick starts (I nearly cried but let's not talk about it), bringing us right back into the palms of the lovable Jets.
The Dancing
It's what makes West Side Story so clever! Gangs dancing ballet? Genius! And this talented bunch pull off every back flip and pirouette with style. My favourite scene by far was the dance scene, featuring the Mambo and Cha Cha... I didn't know where to look there was so much sass and action! If I could dance like that I don't think I'd ever stop dancing 💃🏼
The Cast
Again, I'm not being biased. This is whole truth (and nothing but the truth), but this cast is so so talented and you'll miss out on a treat if you don't see this show! Riff (played by Ellis) is the true heart of the Jets right through to the end. The gangs have been cast as the perfect rival teams with the costume to match, and it's safe to say James Milsom (playing Bernardo) pulled off an amazing Puerto Rican accent which made him and the Sharks even more menacing. The rest of the Jets and Sharks gang members maintain their conflict throughout, with cheeky comments, perfect body language, and excellent vocals (or whistling of the American national anthem) expressing the feud to the audience with passion. And as for the Shark and Jet girls? The sass is unreal; I couldn't get enough! Especially from Anita (played by Yolanda Offodile) with her continuous girl power.
"Womb to Tomb"
Without giving away too many spoilers and stressing-out review professionals any more, this show really is fantastic and the cast and production team should be so proud. Amazing directors Suzanne Forrester and Claudette Caven Henrys, and choreographer Jess Allsop were accompanied by an incredible 16 piece orchestra alongside musical director Sam Griffiths; all reflecting the great passion and hard work seen on stage.
The show is running all week so grab yourself a ticket below before they're gone! What are you waiting for buddy boy?
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