West Side Story
Sacramento Music Circus, CA
‘West Side Story’ rumbles
vibrantly across the stage
“Nearly 50 years after its premiere, “West Side Story” still
generates a special excitement. Director Gary John
La Rosa crafts a '50s Technicolor dream enhanced by Michael Schweikardt's impressionistic
scenic design and Leon Wiebers' vibrant costumes. The collaborators'
magnificent success exploring the tragic consequences of urban racial
divisions still maintains a striking edge in a milieu of mainly feel-good
and family-friendly fare.” From the opening “Prologue” showing
the violent enmity between the Puerto Rican Sharks and their American-born
rivals the Jets, the subtlety and nuance of this production is found
in the evocative dance numbers.” “West Side Story consciously
integrates several art forms at their highest levels into the musical
theater experience. This production reaches significant heights in its
highly satisfying presentation.”
Marcus Crowder – Sacramento Bee
Exciting ‘West Side Story’
“The production of West Side Story playing at Music Circus through
July 24 is enrapturing from the very start. With the ideal mixture
of mood-setting choreography, a creative set, and musical talent, the
actors and actresses are able to cook up a theatrical feast for the audience.”“It
was not only entertaining, but also it told more about the tension between
the two gangs than hours of background information could have.”“Music
Circus’s production of West Side Story combines a dash of excellent
choreography, a pinch of an amazing set, and a bucketful of talented
performers to heat up a storm of exciting scenes all blended into a fantastic
tragedy. Very limited seating is available…”
Sondra
Morishima – Sacramento Stage and Theatre
Something “Cool” comes to capital“West Side Story” sizzles
with energy and excitement
“West Side Story – the classic with book by Arthur
Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim,
which debuted on Broadway in 1957 and set a style that moved musical
theatre in a whole new direction – opened Tuesday evening at the
Music Circus under the direction of Gary John La
Rosa.” “…but
the hatred between gangs is, sadly, even more relevant today.”“…a
highly energetic show…there’s no denying the dancers’ talent
or intensity.”“The suggestion of buildings that fly in and
out works beautifully…”“West Side Story remains classic
American theater, and it delights in this Music Circus production. Tickets
have become scarce…”
Bev Sykes – Davis Enterprise
Race card played in 2 musicals
“I have recently seen two musicals that, upon some reflection,
reveal common thematic ground.”“At any rate, both, while
not perfect or flawless, are worth time, effort and money to see.” “West
Side Story is simply a work of art, and it remains so in the Music Circus
edition directed by Gary John La Rosa. He gets a lot out of his
young cast, but his best move was hiring soprano Carolann Sanita for
the key role of Maria, the young Puerto Rican immigrant who falls in
love with a young Polish neighborhood boy, Tony.”
“Her voice was the one true standout, capable of easily holding
a long-lined melody, in a very talented cast that danced, sang and acted
with a youthful enthusiasm that would have made Robbins happy.”
Richard Bammer – The Reporter
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