Review of Loft Theatre Company production of West Side Story (2012)

As one of the all-time great musicals, it retains all its vigour and punch 50-plus years on and, more than anything, its timelessness on the themes of youth unrest and multi-ethnic street warfare.

Sheer scope and vitality make it a massive challenge for any theatre company so on that note alone the Loft must be praised for courage and determination in pitching into battle with the Jets and Sharks. Equally, certain allowance has to be made for shortcomings, though of these there are rather too many.

The show needs to set its pulsating stamp from the opening seconds as angry youths cavort around the West Side streets. Unfortunately, instead of a figurative shout of rage, this starts on a whimper with half-hearted posturing and lukewarm dancing. There is compensation much later on when the Gee, Officer Krupke number inspires a far better performance from the lads.

Tim Willis’s production has its highlights, notably the golden singing voice of newcomer Kelsey Checklin which positively lifts the Loft’s roof. But her Maria, like much of the show, needs more energy and confidence. Charlotte Brooks as Anita strikes occasional sparks, notably in the dramatic Boy Like That number, while the male leads are generally colourless.

Some puzzling points arise with the choreography. Why are the deaths of the two main combatants in the rumble reprised in a way which alters the outcome? Why is the female solo on Somewhere given to a company member – and beautifully sung, incidentally – when it should surely have gone to Maria? Confusing....

All this aside, however, there is no denying the emotive power of this musical. Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics are magnificent (thank goodness he didn’t do the music!) and the Romeo and Juliet story with all its resonance and fatalism is as captivating as ever.

Brave effort, Loft. But not in the class of last year’s superb Rent.

To return to the page from which you came, click the button below.

Peter McGarry is an experienced, independent professional theatre critic who has agreed to review Loft Theatre Company productions.

The agreement with the Loft is that Peter is free to express his opinions for good or ill. The Loft Theatre Company has no control whatsoever over the content of these reviews and will never comment publicly on what he writes.