I’ve been lucky to see West Side Story twice this year in Sydney in two different production this year. The first was on the outdoor stage with Sydney’s city skyline as a backdrop earlier in the year. The production I saw last night was presented by Opera Australia and GWB Entertainment with the BB Group, directed by Joey McKneely (original production directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins). In West Side Story, it is the dancing that is spectacular to watch not to mention it being shown in the iconic venue of the Sydney Opera House.
We all know the story of West Side Story, a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet; this tragic love story tells the tale of two young people whose happiness is destroyed by the hate of two enemy camps in New York City’s urban jungle. The “Jets”, sons of previous immigrants to America, battle the new arrivals from Puerto Rico, the “Sharks”, for domination of the streets.
The musical renditions of the world-famous score featuring unforgettable songs including ‘ Maria’, ‘Tonight’, ‘Somewhere’, ‘America’ and ‘I Feel Pretty’ were beautiful but it was the dancing that was outstanding and done with precision, with every leap and finger click executed perfectly in the Joan Sutherland Theatre.
Sophie Salvesani brings a beautiful touch to Maria’s lilting soprano passages. Daniel Assetta, who played Tony on opening night in place of a sick Todd Jacobsson, put his tenor to great use. The pair of star-crossed lovers have wonderful vocal chemistry. Chloe Zuel brings sass and zeal to Maria’s sister-in-law and confidante Anita, dancing and belting her way through a roof-raising ‘America’ and probably was the stand out of the night
West Side Story is on for a limited season now at the Sydney Opera House from 21 August – 6 October 2019.
Dress from White Runway for Opening Night, Sydney Opera House.
See.Taste.Do was invited as a guest of AB Publicity
