Reviewed by Tony Annicone
Stadium Theatre’s current musical is “West Side Story”, the classic 1957 musical hit. Based on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, the story is as fresh and meaningful to contemporary audiences as it was in 1591 for the original play as it was for the musical in the 1950’s. Hatred and violence don’t solve problems, they create new ones. Love and understanding of each other are the solutions for these problems, not only in both these shows but in real life, too. The well known story of Tony and Maria takes place in New York City. The outside forces of friends, enemies, gang members and adults keep them from fulfilling their dream of everlasting happiness due to hatred and bigotry. This talented cast under the insightful direction of Corey Cadigan, delivers the goods in a powerful and poignant presentation that has the audience leap to their feet at the curtain in this terrific and gut wrenching production. Musical director Henry Buck and choreographer Matthew Parello also do a splendid job. Henry with the seventeen piece orchestra and the vocals and some marvelous dances by Matthew including ballet, modern, jazz, mambo and salsa to name a few. The fabulous period 1950’s costumes are by Lauren Beaudoin while the set is by Wayne Boucher.
