The Canadian cast, director, choreographer and distinguished design team of this West Side Story possess impressive credits from major musicals produced on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border and on both sides of the Atlantic. The result is a Broadway-worthy production of this year's musical based on a Shakespeare classic. The only blemish in this almost perfect presentation is the singing voice of Maria, danced and played beautifully and with much heart by Ma-Anne Dionisio (Kim in the Canadian and Australian premieres of Miss Saigon). Her vocals just don't possess the wide range the role demands.
Raymond Rodriguez -- NYC-based, Puerto Rican-born - mesmerizes us as Bernardo. Here is a dynamic singer-actor and charismatic dancer. Tyley Ross (on Broadway as Chris in Saigon and acclaimed across Canada in the title role of The Who's Tommy) ascends to new heights as a golden-throated Tony. Singing "Tonight" (solo and in duet) he pierces our hearts with his smooth baritone and a natural vulnerability.
Karen Andrews' Anita explodes dramatically and sparkles with impressive dancing abandon, while Charles Azulay as Chino and Jake Simons as Riff contribute memorable performances in this stirring revival of a monumental work in American music theater. Its story is as pertinent today as when first showing the tragic outcome of urban street gang battles 42 years ago. Mobile set units are moved to suggest the many low-life locations of Manhattan's west side, where the Hispanic Sharks and the 'Anglo' American Jets viciously rumble to protect turf and exercise stubborn macho pride.
The parallels to Romeo And Juliet, as former Shark leader Tony falls in love with Latina Maria, Bernardo's little sister, are the core of this thrilling musical, featuring an enduringly melodic score, equally memorable lyrics and visually stunning modern balletic choreography. A bright highlight of the season.
