Jonas Schwartz – Theatermania The biggest rumble in LA Opera’s West Side Story is not between the Sharks and the Jets but between two musical styles. As Romeo and Juliet, the lead opera stars clash with the rest of the cast, who emphasize a Broadway style singing and acting—and that clash keeps audiences from experiencing … Read more
Erin Conley – On Stage & Screen Are there any opening notes in musical theater more iconic and instantly recognizable than those of West Side Story? No matter the iteration, the story and music are classic enough to have endured the test of time, resulting in a rare musical where you can hear a ripple … Read more
Don Shirley – L.A. Observed Two plays named after cities: “Barcelona” at the Geffen Playhouse and Rogue Machine’s production of “Pocatello” (in case that doesn’t ring a bell, its namesake is the fifth largest city in Idaho.) Which theatrical destination sounds more inviting? Well, “Barcelona” isn’t bad. But “Pocatello” pops.
Dany Margolies – The Daily Breeze The curtain rises to reveal a New York stoop, as the overture blossoms into an iconic score and eight young men in jeans and tennies burst into a dance of seething frustration and endless energy. Unmistakably, this is “West Side Story.” Read more… Now running through February 28.
West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim andArthur Laurents. David C. Nichols – LA Times It’s not just the exposure to countless editions of West Side Story that causes us to stagger dazed and elated from the Chance Theater. Less a revival than a whole-scale reinvention, this stunning chamber version of the landmark 1957 musical by Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur … Read more