WEST SIDE STORY on BROADWAY

StyleStation | Jul 03, 2009 | there are 1 comments

Hi there,
I hope you that are doing well. My review this week is of WEST SIDE STORY on Broadway.

WOW, what a show ! I suppose how can one go wrong with the classic choreography of Jerome Robbins ? This is the stand out for me. We have been conditioned with these iconic movements for years on film and now to see it live on stage delivered with such originality, poise and attack left me breathless.

The wonderful tunes of Bernstein and lyrics of Sodenheim keep the production flowing and have the audience welling up with emotion throughout the show. The orchestra is simply SPOT ON !

Leading man, Matt Cavenaugh as "Tony" delivers smooth vocals with a rather unsuspecting but utmost pleasant sound. Josephine Scaglione is gorgeous as "Maria" and plays her with purity and conviction. Perhaps it is because she has been plucked directly from Argentina for this role on Broadway that we are taken on "Maria's" journey with powerful authenticity and intense belief. Josephine commands standing ovations nightly.

Tony award winning Karen Olivo is stunning as "Anita". I saw her perform in the role of "Vanessa" that she created for "In The Heights" both on and off Broadway and was very impressed. Now that I have seen her in West Side Story, I am witness to the striking show that Karen puts on no matter what role she is playing.

I couldn't take my eyes off of Cody Green though .... He is UNBELIEVABLE as "Riff". From the moment he enters the stage his presence is riveting. He performs with every ounce of his being and then some ! His energy is explosive and his precision is immaculate, culminating in an electrifying experience for his fellow perfomers and the audience alike. You may remember Cody from Bravo TV's, "Step It Up and Dance".

The show is really well staged. I particularly enjoy the curtain of flowers ~ divine ! The choreographic reproduction by John McKneely is spectacular !
Can you tell that I thoroughly enjoyed the show ??!!

To share YOUR thoughts on any Broadway Musical that you have seen lately you can blog me here, email me at danceruniverse@mystylestation.com, follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/stylestation or join my Facebook group, STYLE STATION. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=83493543989&ref=ts

Well as the song says "I like to be in America ! O.K. with me in America ! Ev'rything free in America."
To all Americans, enjoy your July 4th weekend.
"Life without liberty is like a body without spirit." This show has SPIRIT ! Book your ticket now: http://www.broadwaywestsidestory.com