Reviewed by Tony Annicone
New Bedford Festival Theatre’s summer musical at the Zeiterion Theatre is “West Side Story”, the classic 1957 musical hit. It is based on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and the story is as fresh and meaningful to contemporary audiences as it was for audiences in 1591 for the original play as it was in 1957 for the musical version. Hatred and violence don’t solve problems, they create new ones. Love and understanding are the solutions to these problems, not only in these shows but in real life, too. The well known story of star crossed lovers Tony and Maria takes place in New York City. The outside forces of enemies, friends, gang members and adults keep them from fulfilling their dream of everlasting happiness due to hatred and bigotry. The twenty member cast under the insightful direction of Michael Susko, delivers the goods in a powerful and poignant presentation which propels the audience to their feet at the curtain call.
