By Dale King
A community theater needs considerable fortitude to shoulder the task of preparing, casting, designing backgrounds and costumes for and assembling a cast of actors, dancers and singers to present an enduring theatrical production known and appreciated for its classic story and generational appeal.
The folks at Lake Worth Playhouse decided early on to bite the bullet and bring West Side Story to the stage this summer.
And what a smart choice. The production playing through July is one of LWP’s best, though the material — including the level of violence — is clearly intended for mature audiences. The acting, choreography and vocals are exceptional. The only drawback is the three-hour length of the show that seemingly leaves the audience restless as the finale draws near.
Still, the show is an interesting, even fascinating, mix of aggressive, gang-related street battles juxtaposed with elegant, touching songs, energetic dance numbers and a romantic main story.
Director Debi Marcucci has assembled a talented cast for her admirable chore. She gets solid support from choreographer Kassie Meiler and help from fight choreographer Danny Distasio — who also portrays Action, a bad-tempered, always-ready-to-fight member of the Jets gang. He also earns high marks for acting.
The plot is varied, frequently bleak, vicious and combative, yet at times tender and touching. The constant clash of revulsion between two warring New York City street gangs — the Jets and the Sharks — leaves little room for light touches, though some do take place.
West Side Story, which as everybody knows is based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, is set on the Upper West Side of Manhattan during the 1950s, a time when multiracial, blue-collar neighborhood gangs fought vicious turf wars for control of various districts.
In its time, Romeo and Juliet presented a story of “star-crossed lovers,” whom the Bard himself described as a couple who fall in love, but whose romance can never be fulfilled because they are the spawn of two families whose mutual hatred knows no bounds. The lovers’ story must end sorrowfully.
In West Side Story, we encounter another pair of “star-crossed” lovers, Tony (Dillon Cavanagh) and Maria (Luiza Marcil), who find themselves in similar circumstances. They also hail from opposing assemblages — competitive street gangs comprised of families with blood rage toward each other. Despite the lovers’ best efforts to keep their feelings undisclosed, their love is finally revealed — to no good end.
The idea of connecting the enduring catastrophic circumstances of Romeo and Juliet to the mid-20th century acrimony, hostility, juvenile misbehavior and ethnic intolerance of youngsters from that era must have shocked show creators Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Robbins, Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim. They still managed to provide a daring and cocky production replete with dance, song, ethnic animosity and fearful street fights.
West Side Story’s feuding families — the white Jets led by Riff (Bill Hannam) and the Latino Sharks, commanded by Bernardo (Jon Hinostroza), display hatred, bitterly fueled by racism and cultural differences.
Feelings escalate to a point where peaceful coexistence becomes impossible when Riff’s best friend and former Jet, Tony, meets Bernardo’s younger sister, Maria, at a dance — and they fall desperately and passionately in love.
Plaudits are in order for Cavanagh and Marcil who excel as Tony and Maria. The passionate chemistry between them is profound and obvious. The depth of their emotion is vocalized in the song, “Maria,” sung by Tony, one of the most beautiful, word-perfect tunes in this show.
Also due pats on the back are choreographer Meiler for her excellent work, particularly adding steps to “Dance in the Gym,” “America” and “Cool” and to popular set and lighting designer Ardean Landhuis for creating a formidable set depicting New York, circa 1957.
WEST SIDE STORY plays through July 30 at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 561-586-6410 or visiting www.lakeworthplayhouse.org.