[NEohioPAL]Berko: WEST SIDE STORY (Carousel Dinner Theatre)

[Roy Berko]

Inconsistent ‘WEST SIDE STORY’ at Carousel

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	


In the program for ‘WEST SIDE STORY,’ now on stage at
Carousel Dinner Theatre, the show’s director, Marc
Robin, states, “‘WEST SIDE STORY’ is one of the most
remarkable shows in the musical theatre catalogue.  It
has everything:  great story, challenging dance
sequences, unforgettable music and characters and
enough conflict to span five musicals.”   

Robin is right on the mark.  Often appearing on most
musical theatre aficionado’s top five list of great
shows, in a good production, the script is a sure-fire
audience pleaser.  

Carousel’s production has many strong elements, but
fails to reach its potential because of an uninspired
male corps, dancing which feigned intensity, and a
shallow performance by one of the major cast members. 
The result was polite, if not prolonged applause at
the curtain call.

‘WEST SIDE STORY’ uses Shakespeare’s ‘ROMEO AND
JULIET’ as its base.  In this version two opposing
cultural groups conflict over the right to mark off
their psychological and physical territory.  Set in
the west side of New York, the Jets, a gang composed
of second generation “Americans” of various
ethnicities, conflict with the Sharks, new immigrants
from Puerto Rico.  The ridiculousness of their warring
comes to a head when Tony, a former member of the
Jets, falls in love with Maria, whose brother is the
leader of the Sharks.   A series of killings spells
disaster for all.

Set to Leonard Bernstein’s amazing music and Stephen
Sondheim’s poignant lyrics, the perfectly integrated
book by Arthur Laurents has the story unfold in
emotional detail through not only song, but dance. 
The original choreography by Jerome Robins was some of
the finest ever conceived for the theatre.

The show’s score includes such classics as
“Something’s Comin,’” “Maria,” “America,” “One Hand,
One Heart,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere.”

Carousel’s production is blessed with some strong
performances.  Stephanie Iannarino is glorious as
Maria.  She sings, acts and dances exceptionally well.
 She makes the play’s final scene compelling due to
her well-crafted intensity.

Nathan Scherich starts slowly as Tony, but builds into
the role.  At times his voice is powerful, hitting the
high notes with ease.  At other times he goes into a
falsetto to achieve the needed sound and at times
sings words rather than meanings.  His acting is quite
believable.

Julie Kotarides (Anita) displays the right Latin
temperament, sings well and dances powerfully.  As her
lover, David Villella creates a believable Bernardo. 
Jonelle Margallo’s solo in “Somewhere” was emotionally
on-target.  The female corps, especially those
portraying Puerto Ricans, were excellent.  

However, in a very pivotal role, Matthew Steffens
(Riff) is extremely weak.  
His acting is shallow, his singing off-key and his
character development lacking.  Much the same can be
said for many of the male chorus.  From the opening
number where the rumble lacked reality and emotional
tension, to the gym dance, through the rumble, the
acceptable choreography was ruined by the lack of
spontaneity and dynamism on the part of the male
corps.  The only male ensemble highlight was the
delightful “Gee, Officer Krupke.”  It is surprising
that a professional theatre of Carousel’s repute,
couldn’t find male dancers and actors of higher
quality, especially to play major roles.

CAPSULE JUDGEMENT:  Carousel’s ‘WEST SIDE STORY,’ in
spite of some strong performances, is less than it
should be.  The main problem lies in the hands of many
of the male members of corps and a lack of fine honing
by director Mark Robin. 

‘WEST SIDE STORY’ runs through June 30.  For tickets 
call 800-362-4100.  Show times are Tuesday through
Thursday evenings at 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday
evenings at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 5, and
Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2 P.M.  



Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info
      
Roy's theatre and dance reviews appear regularly on NeOHIOpal, an on-line source.   To subscribe to this free service via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.fredsternfeld.com/mailman/listinfo/neohiopal.  His reviews also appear on www.coolcleveland.com

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