West Side Story, one of the seminal productions of modern American musical theatre, is currently playing on Danbury’s Musicals at Richter stage! With the book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the musical is considered by many to be a masterpiece.
The set, designed by Jake McGuire is simple but dynamic. It allows the scene changes to move smoothly, and create different places with minimal set. The walls remain white, which i found unusual, but in turn accentuate the lighting design by Michael Limone and Mike Campbell.
I did find the lighting to be a bit overwhelming at times. The Jets were signified by blue, and the Sharks by red. It felt redundant to put this in both the lighting and the costume design. The costume design, by Lauren Nicole Sherwood, was very clear and well done. Tony and Maria stood out from the two groups in purple, the combination of the two groups.
The choreography, by Jimmy Locust with Assistant Liana Martinez, combined some of the classic broadway choreography with his original, and it worked very well. There was an interesting modern dance scene in the second act that is something I have not seen before in the show. The fight choreography, by director Michael Limone, was impressive. The fights kept you on the edge of your seat, even if you knew the outcome already.
The company scenes are spectacular, well choreographed and performed. Some highlights are The “Tonight (Quintet),” “Cool,” and “Gee, Officer Krupke.” All have strong harmonies and good performances by everyone onstage. Brian Bremer as Riff has a beautiful crooning voice that works perfectly for “Cool.” Zachary Kampler leads an orchestra that brings you fully into the world of the show.
The production at MAR has it’s ups and downs, but is ultimately an enjoyable show. The show runs through July 22nd and all shows are at 8:30pm, grounds open at 7:15 pm for picnicking. Musicals at Richter is located on the back lawn of the Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Parking is at the Richter Park Golf Course, just beyond the Arts Center on the left.See www.musicalsatrichter.org for more information.
Photo credit David Henningsen Photography
Their Youth Summer Spotlight is July 19 at 8 p.m. and Aladdin Jr runs August 17, 18 & 19 at 8 p.m. The last fairy tale theatre performance is July 22nd at Richter’s new space at Workspace Academy 16 Trowbridge Dr, Bethel, CT 06801. The next mainstage show is Seussical, which runs Thursdays through Sundays, July 28th through August 12th.