Above: Aidan McArthur (Riff); Kyran Taylor (Tony);
Kristin Murrison (Maria); Samkelo Mdakane (Bernardo) & Grace McIlroy (Anita)
Reddam House’s “West Side Story” fulfils its
promise to be an immersive and unforgettable theatre experience of the highest
standard. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Running at the Muir Auditorium at Reddam House Umhlanga until March 15 is the college’s own production of West Side Story. It features at least 100 Reddam House College Students, not counting backstage crew, lighting, sound etc.
The production held me captivated from the start to see this huge abundance of talent embracing theatre to the full. Giving me hope for the future!
The production is challenging from a music as well as a dance point of view – there’s strong emphasis on well-known Latin-American rhythms and jazz with lots of lovely costumes. The mood demands on the main characters are considerable. In one scene, the two street gangs are at each other’s throats, the next could be the two lovers reveal their feelings to each other and the next could be the hilarious send-up of an Officer.
There are some excellent performances. Kyran Taylor as Tony has a lovely clear and mature voice and did great justice to Something’s Coming. Aidan McArthur as Riff; and Samkelo Mdakane as Bernardo gave the right kind of toughness for gang members.
(Right: Grace McIlroy as Anita & Kristin Murrison as Maria)
On the ladies’ side, Kristin Murrison gave a sincere performance as Maria, her soaring soprano voice reaching glorious heights. The balcony scene with Tony was beautifully done.
One of the standouts of the evening was Grace McIlroy who played Maria’s best friend, Anita. The role is extremely demanding – emotionally and physically. At one stage, the gang members throw her about, intent on harming her. Fortunately, it’s so well-choreographed that she emerges unscathed!
Basically, everyone in supporting roles gave of their best. Amusing character roles were handled sensibly by Divya Venkatesen as Officer Krupke and Sivuyile Mthuli as Doc.
West Side Story is based roughly on Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. Themes of forbidden love, teenage identity and loss lead us through famous and touching musical items including I Feel Pretty, America, Cool, Maria and (my favourite) Somewhere.
Based on a concept of Jerome Robbins, with book by Arthur Laurents; music by Leonard Bernstein; lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; the original production was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins.
At Reddam, the Muir Auditorium has a big stage which can be extended to create two smaller areas either side – all used to best effect.
This production is directed by Helet Potsma; with musical direction by Russell Scott; choreography by Lynn Totham-Crommie. Vocal coaches are Marc Poupard and Des Govender. Accompanied by an orchestra of professional musicians, several from the KZNPO, West Side Story fulfils its promise to be an immersive and unforgettable theatre experience at the highest standard.
Audience members who have booked table seats can bring drinks and snacks.
The show runs by arrangement with DALRO until March 15, 2023, at 19h00 in the Muir Auditorium at Reddam House Umhlanga.
Tickets are available on Quicket.co.za
(Not advisable for children under 10 years of age).
Posts
