Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Paper Mill’s WEST SIDE STORY is exemplary

• By drediman
• June 10, 2016
• No Comments

Jerome Robbins’ singular vision permeates every major production of West Side Story, that muscular, immortal musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet by the venerated triumvirate of Arthur Laurents (book), Leonard Bernstein (music), and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics). Robbins’ directed and choreographed the original 1957 production with a striking seamlessness – perhaps the most perfect example of a fully integrated musical that Broadway has ever seen – and since then his iconic work has become synonymous with the musical.

The current Paper Mill Playhouse (the deserving recipient of this year’s Regional Theatre Tony Award) revival is no exception. Director Mark S. Hoebee and particularly choreographer Alex Sanchez have faithfully stuck to Robbins’ template, and the results are exemplary. Despite the close physical resemblance between the two productions, I actually enjoyed this current regional production more than the recent 2009 Broadway revival at the Palace Theatre (both use the same basic scenic elements by set designer James Youmans). That’s because Paper Mill’s Jets and Sharks more authentically register as juvenile delinquents than their more polished counterparts on the Great White Way – who, admittedly, were the superior singers and dancers. Under conductor Steve Orich’s baton, the 20-piece orchestra sounded inspired playing Bernstein’s glorious score.

The production’s biggest assets are Matt Doyle and Natalie Cortez, who play Tony and Anita, respectively. The handsome Mr. Doyle’s Tony is that rare combination of boyish charm and unfiltered virility – and, he sings with an effortless confidence that’s very easy on the ears (his “Something’s Coming” and “Maria” simply soar). When I saw Ms. Cortez’s Anita at the Palace (she replaced the Tony-winning Karen Olivo), I was not impressed at all. However, over the years, she’s become a more formidable stage presence and actress, and her current turn as Anita is sensational from top to bottom. I do miss, however, the delicacy and quiet strength Argentinian actress Josefina Scaglione brought to the role of Maria on Broadway. Paper Mill’s Maria, Belinda Allyn, starts off a bit stiff and brittle but becomes stronger as the show progresses, especially in the more dramatic second act. All in all, this West Side Story is more than a solid revival of the much-loved musical and a great way to close Paper Mill’s 2016/2017 season.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

WEST SIDE STORY
Regional, Musical
Paper Mill Playhouse (Millburn, NJ)
2 hours, 30 minutes (with one intermission)
Through June 26