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<H1 class=red>Thrilling West Side Story' not the same old song and dance</H1>
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<DIV class=byln>Thursday, March 12, 2009
<DIV>By Ted Larsen Correspondent</DIV>
<DIV><B>Parma Sun Post</B></DIV></DIV>
<P>"West Side Story" is one of the pre-eminent musicals of American musical
theater. With a powerful, operatic score that includes beloved standards like
"Tonight," "Maria," and "Somewhere," a well-done production can thrill an
audience like few other shows. </P>
<P>Cassidy Theatre's production is indeed superb, and it makes for thrilling
theater. </P>
<P>Based on Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," it tells the story of two rival
gangs -- the Jets and the Sharks. When Tony, one of the Jets, meets Maria, one
of the Sharks, they fall instantly in love. Their love is innocent, pure -- and
ultimately doomed when no one around them can see beyond their own hatred. </P>
<P>Set in the 1950s, this story of ethnic identity at war with racism and the
falsity of the "American melting pot" is timeless and purely American. </P>
<P>The cast is superb. As Maria, Trinidad Snider's performance is nothing short
of magnificent. Her voice is glorious, and she has that rare ability to emote
every moment of a song while still producing heavenly music. </P>
<P>Barry DuBois as Tony has a crystal clear tenor and sweet-cored toughness as
the young man struggling to break free of his history. </P>
<P>Tony and Maria's duets are arrestingly beautiful, and together they make you
believe that unselfish, unfettered love can still exist. </P>
<P>Rick McGuigan as Tony's best friend Riff commands every moment he is onstage.
</P>
<P>Aimee Collier's Anita has 100,00 watts of energy. Whether saucily holding her
own in a male-dominated society or quietly admitting that eventually love
matters above all, you can't take your eyes off her. </P>
<P>The rest of the cast is wonderful, as well. From Justin William's
never-ending sparks and twitches to Russell Harris's measured menace, every
actor makes the most of his or her moments. </P>
<P>This is a dancing show, and the ambitious choreography lights up the stage,
becoming a firework of joyous movement. Director Kevin Joseph Kelly has crafted
a show with pace and heart, and visually this show is often absolutely
brilliant. </P>
<P>There is a problem with diction, especially early on, and occasionally the
sound balance is a little off. Also, this production has added a Shakespearean
beginning and ending, and it is intrusive and doesn't work. </P>
<P>But these are minor quibbles with a superb show. With amazing performances
and gorgeous music performed perfectly, this is what American theater strives
for and rarely achieves. It is spectacular. "West Side Story"
continues through Saturday at Cassidy Theatre, 6200 Pearl Road, Parma Heights.
Call (440) 842-4600 or visit cassidytheatre.com online. </P>
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