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West Side Story

Wilde Theatre, Bracknell
15th - 19th October @ 7.45 pm each Evening

Director	Peter Savage
Choreographer	Rachel Starling
Musical Director	Tania Pratt
Jets
Riff	Robin Colyer
Tony	Stuart Hayllor
Action	Ben-Wesley Ashton
A-Rab	Phil Buck
Baby-John	Harry Goff
Snowboy	Scott Jenkins
Big Deal	Gavin Argrave
Diesel	James Simpson
Gee-Tar	Nathan Cripps
Anybodys	Sarah Swarbrick
Sharks
Bernardo	Stephan Boyce
Maria	Melissa Heaps
Anita	Pip Tuttle
Chino	Martyn Edwards
Pepe	James Osun Sanmi
Indo	Tom Gingell
Anxious	William McCallum
Nibbles	Sami Wannell
Juano	James Fitchett
Jet Girls
Grazielle	Kate Johnston
Velma	Jolene Walsh
Clarice	Carissa Wilkie
Minnie	Amy Miller
Sharks Girls
Rosalia	Janine Coello
Teresita	Jessica Bennett
Francisca	Katie Meekison
Estella	Kathryn Wigginton
Consuela	Hannah Gostling
Marguerita	Sam Buller
Adults
Shrank	Steve Havercan
Krupke	Ken Coello
Doc	Graham Simmonite
Gladhand	Richard Head
Chorus
Vikki Basten	Laura Bennett
Kayleigh Brooks	Louise Collis
Jenna Ellis	Lisa Hattersley
Katie Helms	Lisa Hill
Sarah Latto	Hannah Lynch
Victoria Moone	Lauren Swanborough
Rachel Szebesta	Louisa Wilkinson

 

Images from the show

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National Operatic & Dramatic Association Report

London Area

Society: Starmaker Theatre Company
Production: “West Side Story”
Date 17th October 2002
Venue: Wilde Theatre, Bracknell
Report by: Henry Hawes – Noda Representative – Region 13

Report

Both "My Fair Lady" and "The Sound of Music" were great and instant successes in the theatre's of Broadway and Britain, but the third mega hit of the later 1950's took decidedly longer to take off. Nowadays, there doesn't seem too much that outlandish about Arthur Laurent's New Yorkish update of the Romeo and Juliet story, nor about his shows large and youthful dance content. But, back in the 1950's, the urgent, contemporary West Side Story was a bit harder for audiences to take than Eliza Doolittle's amusing old English antics or the sweet story of the singing nun of Salzburg. So paying public reaction was a bit slower and it took altogether longer and again the boost of a particularly fine film version to turn the show into the classic it is now.

"West Side Story" is set in urban New York, against a background of what the youngsters who take part in it, with a deadly childish seriousness, would like to think is 'gang warfare'. The Romeo of the story is Tony, once the leader of the Jets, a juvenile 'gang' exclusive to the children of immigrants from Europe, his Juliet is Maria, the sister of the big boss of the Sharks, a gang made up of youngsters from Puerto Rico. The tragedy of their story is launched when the Shark's leader resorts to a knife to beat a Jet in a fight. Both boys end up dead, and Tony who has murdered Maria's brother is on the run. Before the final curtain, he too is dead, the third victim of the foolish, wasteful children's games. In spite of any initial reticence there might have been about West Side Story" as a show, it's songs quickly became favourites. Maria's falling in love 7 Feel Pretty', Tony's deliriously happy 'Maria, their starry eyed anticipation of their next meeting 'Tonight, their longing sigh for a happier, less factioned world, 'Somewhere'and the rousing, clear eyed view of 'America' sung and danced by the Puerto Rican girls and boys. However some of the high lights of the West Side Story" score came not in its extractable songs but in its dance music exciting, vibrant dance music such as the musical stage had rarely if ever heard before and in its ensembles ('Tonight, the duo 'A Boy Like That), which joined the more 'obvious' numbers in making up a score of a rare and rich variety.

"West Side Story" ran for 732 performances on Broadway, toured, and even returned to New York, but the other main centres were very backward in taking up this show that was so unlike the usual Broadway fare. In the end, the shows publishers have themselves to sponsor a London showing that no established publisher was willing to risk. Their faith was justified when the West End production firmly outran the Broadway one, playing for 1,039 nights. It was, however, the film version of the show, a stormingly effective screenic remake by original stager Jerome Robbins which appeared some four years after the stage premiere, that finally confirmed the international reputation of 'West Side Story" and its songs and helped largely to put a seal on its status.

On Thursday 17th October 2002, 1 was invited to review the 'Starmaker Theatre Company's' production of "West Side Story" at the Wilde Theatre, Bracknell. This type of show is ideally suited to a young, energetic and talented company such as 'Stamaker', and did they do it justice. This was entertainment of a very high order to the extent there was nothing 1 could fault in the whole of the production. It had been well cast with the principals playing their roles superbly. The staging could not be faulted with the whole of the stage being used and balanced at all times and the choreography was breathtaking. A superb show in every aspect and how nice to see a full house in this day and age. and deservedly so, as I am sure the audience went home with a warm glow after watching such a fine spectacle, even though the heating had broken down in the theatre!

NODA LONDON For Services to Amateur Theatre

THE JETS

Robin Colyer (RIFF)

As the current leader of the 'Jets' who had taken over from Tony and was in fact his closest friend, Robin portrayed all the necessary leadership qualities for this part. His opening number 'Jet Song'was well put over with an excellent singing voice and which set the standard for the rest of the show. His movement about the stage was commanding with good diction and a well sustained accent throughout A first class portrayal.

Stuart Hayllor (TONY)

This young man was excellent as Tony. He got right inside the character, presenting it as if he fully believed the role he was playing. He looked the part with an excellent speaking voice which portrayed all the necessary emotions in his feelings for his true love Maria. These two sparked off each other and made as good a Tony and Maria as I have seen in a long time. Although suffering with a 'dodgy throat, he sang all his numbers well and with feeling, particularly his solo 'Maria' and his duet 'Somewhere' I
was pleased to see that he didn't push his voice so that he overcame his throat problem and sang his numbers with feeling and accuracy and a good tonal quality Congratulations.

Sarah Swarbrick (ANYBODYS)

As the only girl in the 'Jets', Sarah showed all the feistiness required to survive in such an environment. She was pushy and gave as good as she got and refused to be brow beaten by the boys This was a super performance.

Ben Wesley Ashton (ACTION)
Phil Buck (A RAB)
Harry Goff (BABY JOHN)
Scott Jenkins (SNOWBOY)
Gavin Argrave (BIG DEAL)
James Simpson (DIESEL)
Nathan Cripps (GEE TAR)

It is impossible for me to report on each and every individual in this performance, so 1 hope you will forgive me if I combine a number of you together. This group, who made up the members of the 'Jet Gang', could not be faulted, their stage movements, dancing and fight sequences was all of a very high standard. I particularly liked the number 'Gee, Officer Krupke', an hilarious routine which held the audience spellbound Well done.

JET GIRLS

Kate Johnston (GRAZIELLE)
Jolene Walsh (VELMA)
Carissa Wilkie (CLARICE)
Amy Miller (MINNIE)

All four members portrayed their parts as the girlfriends of members of the 'Sharks Gang' very well indeed, making them into most
believable characters Well done.

THE SHARKS

Stephan Boyce (BERNARDO)

As the leader of the 'Sharks', Stephan was great. This was another member who fully believed in the part he was playing. He was the typical Puerto Rican gang leader, cocky, viscious and commanding. His anger at Tony for failing in love with his sister, Maria was extremely well presented

Melissa Heaps (MARIA) –

What can I say about this young lady! She was superb. She looked good, displaying all the necessary emotions required for this part. Her feelings for Tony was very well presented, expressing all her love for him, but at the same time, frightened of what her family would feel about her relationship with a member of 'The Jets'. the Puerto Rican's sworn enemies. This part requires a singing voice of good quality with a high soprano register and this Melissa had in abundance, hitting the top notes effortlessly
which came to the fore in the numbers 'Tonight' and I Feel Pretty' I was particularly impressed with the duet with Anita in the second act, a beautiful blend of voices, extracting all the emotion from this number. This young lady has that indefinable quality, 'stage presence' and should go far A super performance.

Pip Tuttle (ANITA)

As Anita, the girl friend of Bernardo, Pip could not be faulted, good stage presence and acting ability, all coupled with a lovely, controlled singing voice which blended beautifully with Maria's. This again, was another superlative performance.

Martyn Edwards (CHINO)
James Osun Sanmi (PEPE)
Tom Gingell (INDO)
William McCallum (ANXIOUS)
Sami Wannell (NIBBLES)
James Fitchett (JUANO)

As the rival 'Shark Gang', this group could not be faulted. Excellent movement, diction, facial expressions, realistic fight sequences and well sustained accents throughout Terrific.

SHARK GIRLS

Janine Coello (ROSALIE)
Jessica Bennett (TERESITA)
Katie Meekison (FRANCISCA)
Kathryn Wiggington (ESTELLA)
Hannah Gostling (CONSUELA)
Sam Buller (MARGUERITA)

Again this group gave excellent support to their colleagues and members of the 'Shark Gang'. I was amazed with the quality of the
`America 'number when you joined forces with the Puerto Rican chorus. This was a superb number, containing all the elements of singing, movement and choreography and set the stage alight Congratulations.

Steve Havercan (SHRANK)

As the 'world weary', plain cloths cop who has seen it all before, Steve got the character just right, and his confrontations with the two gangs could not have been bettered. Movement, diction and accent was well contrived, although on a couple of occasions the accent was heard to slip Well done.

Ken Coello (KRUPKE)

As the beligerant' New York Cop~, Ken could not be faulted, he was the epitome of what one expected from such a character. Movements, facial expressions, diction was all of a high order.

Graham Simmonite (DOC)

As the owner of the drug store frequented by the local gangs, Graham gave a reasonable interpretation of the role, but 1 felt that he needed to be more assertive when dealing with them as he appeared a little hesitant in this aspect.

Richard Head (GLADHAND) This part requires an actor who is completely extrovert, which Richard was, aided by an excellent costume. Although only a 'cameo' role, it had impact.

PUERTO RICAN CHORUS AMERICAN CHORUS

Laura Bennett (CONCHITAS) Kayleigh Brooks (LUCY)
Louise Collis (LOUCHIA) Lisa Hattersley (JEANA)
Jenna Ellis (CATALINA) Sarah Latto (BABS)
Katie Helms (SOPHIA) Hannah Lynch (ROXY)
Lisa Hill (LOLITA) Louisa Wilkinson (MAZIE)
Victoria Moone (JUANITA) Lauren Swanborough (NANCY)
Rachel Szebesta (TINA)
Vikki Basten (BETTY)

This double chorus did stirling work, with each and every one entering fully into the spirit of the production. Their movement, singing and dancing was all of a high order and could not be faulted. I was particularly impressed with the number 'America, by the Puerto Rican girls, it had tremendous impact and was a 'Showstopper' Congratulations..

Off Stage Singers

Keith Lawrence, Andy Milburn, Danny Noonan, Jody Green, Tor Hartley, lan Gowland, Jason Oke, Janet Lake,
Naomi Hinton, Emma Carver

This group of backing singers did stirling work, lending their balanced voices to the singers on stage, giving a rich, full sound to all the concerted numbers Well done.

Peter Savage (DIRECTOR) –

If I had been the Director of this show, I would have been extremely proud of the end result, as 1 am sure you were. All members had been well cast, well rehearsed in their characters and choreographic movements, presenting one of the finest presentations of this show I have seen. It had, colour, movement and slickness. The fight sequences had been well devised and looked completely authentic. A lot of work had obviously been done on the accents, which were well maintained throughout. This show had
an air of professionalism throughout, which I think is the highest accolade I can give.
Tania Pratt - (MUSICAL DIRECTOR)

What a show for your 'Baptism of Fire' and how well you survived it. The orchestration for this show is probably one of the more
difficult ones around today, but you had gathered 15 excellent musicians round you, which musically gave just the right balance. The various tempo's, of which there are some difficult one's, were spot on and 1 was most impressed with the way you controlled this orchestra. As far as the cast is concerned, you had obviously worked hard on this aspect, and it showed, with an excellent balance of voices which did full justice to the many well known numbers in this show Congratulations

Rachel Starling (CHOREOGRAPHER) –

This was some of the finest choreography I have seen on the amateur stage in a very long time. The routines fitted the music and the action on stage perfectly, and the dancers had been well rehearsed in their movements which showed in the slickness and uniformity. It also conveyed beautifully the athletisicm required in these routines Congratulations.

Stage Manager & Crew A very well managed stage with slick, silent scene changes aided by the multi purpose folding set and the roll on inserts. I think 'The Song of the Stage Hand& in the programme describes exactly the lot of the unsung heroe's far better than 1 can Well done.

Lighting Design and Operation Geoff Bamford's lighting plots are always of a high standard, but this one was exceptional. As my daughter Julie, who accompanied me said "Geoff has pulled out all the stops on this one" From the opening scene to the end, I could not fault the lighting which generated just the right amount of atmosphere throughout the performance. I was particularly impressed with the lighting on the silver slash curtain, it had enormous impact. Control during the night of my visit was spot on, I did not notice a late lighting cue all night Congratulations.

Sound This was a good sound plot, very well controlled, particularly in the singing aspect So often I see operators of this type of equipment fail to raise the volume control when a person starts to sing, leaving them like stranded fishes, but not on this occasion My only comment is that 1 would have liked to have heard a little more volume on the speaking voices, as at times the words were inaudible, particularly when the orchestra was playing, but in all fairness, a lot of the so called professionals could take a lesson from Brett Smith on how to manage this type of equipment Congratulations.

Properties All the properties used, had been well researched, looked authentic and in keeping with the period.

Scenery By Scenic Projects of Beccles I thought this was a good, multi purpose set which fitted the stage like a glove. It's decor gave a very good impression of the slum area of New York in the 50's, looking appropriately shabby. I particularly liked the holes in the fencing and the loose shuttering which gave the entrances by the cast more impact. The roll on inserts worked well and aided quick scene changes.

Costumes My congratulations to the Wardrobe Department of 'Starmaker`. This was a superb set of costumes, all in the 1950's American style. They were colourful and well fitting and did much in making the show the success it was Congratulations.

Make up I thought the make up was excellent and which stood up well under the strong stage lights. My only comment on this aspect is, that I felt a darker base should have been used for the Puerto Rican's to differentiate between then and the American cast.

Programme An excellent programme, well laid out with items of interest and easily readable in subdued light. Good reproduction of cast photographs and a well designed, eyecatching cover.

Front of House As always with this company, Front of House Staff were smartly dressed, easily recognisable, friendly and welcoming to their audience.

Thank you for inviting me to review 'West Side Story" and for your excellent hospitality. I never cease to be amazed with the talent and professionalism displayed by this young company and long may you continue. You certainly deserved your full houses.

Henry Hawes NODA Representative Region 13.

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