West Side Story - CMPAC | 8.17.24

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

From August 17th through September 8th, the CM Performing Arts Center in Oakdale is presenting ‘West Side Story’ - a musical conceived by Jerome Robbins with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics from Stephen Sondheim. The story is largely inspired by Romeo & Juliet, written by William Shakespeare and takes place in the 1950’s in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. 

West Side Story. See what they did there?

This story is about two star-crossed lovers with backgrounds and affiliations with rival street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks; the Sharks are made up of migrants from Puerto Rico and the Jets are white, looking to maintain the ‘upper hand’ in the community. Tony and Maria are this story’s Romeo and Juliet - Tony is a former member of the Jets who still maintains friendships with everyone including their leader Riff and Maria is the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks.

When the show opens we get our first glimpse of Riff (played by Jason Steven Kopp) alongside the Jets, kicking things off with “Jet Song” - which anyone familiar with this show would surely recognize. In this number, Kopp manages to effectively convey the intensity of his character and the rest of the Jets where you can feel their tension without it immediately exploding - which I found impressive. Riff takes this time to propose a scuffle of sorts with the Sharks at the upcoming dance where he intends to challenge Bernardo, confident that his best friend Tony will be there with them. The entire company kicked the show off with so much controlled energy that you knew you’d be in for a treat!

We meet Tony, working at Doc’s drug store in town. When Riff presents this idea to Tony he is initially hesitant but agrees, believing that something good is around the corner and leads us right into “Something’s Coming.” Tony is played to perfection by Louis Bianco V who sings with the maturity of a seasoned vocalist. 

Louis Bianco V as 'Tony'

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

We are then brought into the world of the Sharks and meet Maria (played by Laila Canelo), who works in a bridal shop with her brother’s girlfriend Anita (Camilla Montoya). Maria is set to be married to her brother’s friend Chino and shares with Anita that she doesn’t love him and isn’t interested in marrying him, setting the stage for what’s to come.

Once everyone arrives at the dance, a dance off begins and Tony & Maria notice each other for the first time. They are immediately drawn to each other and start dancing, seemingly forgetting their surroundings. Bernardo notices this and pulls them apart, sending Maria home. His efforts do little to keep them apart however, as Tony goes to meet Maria at her apartment and serenades her (and us) with the Act-One standout “Maria.” in this number, you get a real feel for just how talented Bianco is. He sings this song with strength and confidence and nails every moment.

Fun fact: I had the pleasure of chatting with Louis Bianco on The Kyle Petty Show and that episode has a clip of him singing “Maria” that does not disappoint. Check it out here!

Anyhoo - Maria notices him and is completely smitten. The two then sing “Tonight,” another classic song from the show. They profess their love for each other in this number but we also get to hear Canelo sing for the first time and the chemistry between her and Bianco is undeniable. Their voices blend together beautifully and the sparks you see between them make you want to root for them!

Laila Canelo & Louis Bianco V

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

Act One is full of recognizable songs and standouts! While Tony & Maria are doing their thing, Anita, Rosalia (Briana Ude), and the rest of the Shark girls are chatting about the differences between America and Puerto Rico in the song “America.” The girls danced and sang their way through this number with brilliance, hitting each mark. This is my favorite number in the show and Montoya dazzled at every turn. Choreographer Daria Degaetano needs a mention here as well for her choreography as everyone looked in time and sharp. “America” is no easy number but you wouldn’t have known that from this performance.

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

Concurrently, the Jets and Sharks are looking to have a quick chat at Doc’s to discuss their next moves and set some parameters. (Yes, Doc’s - the same place Tony works!) While the Jets wait for the Sharks to arrive, they start to grow a bit restless. Riff takes his place as the leader of this gang and helps them blow off some steam during “Cool” - which was yet another highlight. Degaetano’s choreography was once again front and center, but these boys (and tomboy Anybodys, played endearingly by Julianna Jagielo who also doubles as the show’s Dance Captain) nailed every move with precision. There is no way you walk out of this theater *not* talking about this number!

Needless to say, Tony and Maria do not want there to be any conflict between the two gangs but the writing is already on the wall. Once we start discussing next moves and establishing parameters, conversation is over. A brawl does ensue but my plot line reporting ends here. Major spoiler alerts at this point, but you get the picture. 

I mean, we already established that this is a tragedy. This is essentially Romeo & Juliet. You should know this doesn’t end happily.

Act 2 has fantastic moments as well - so many that it’s hard to narrow it down! You’ll certainly be wowed by Maria and the girls with “I Feel Pretty,” which put Canelo’s crystal-clear voice to the forefront once again. Every time she hits a high note, it rings loudly and proudly and the girls complement each other nicely. The ballet was also a clear standout that was visually stunning and featured gorgeous vocals from Francisca, played by Crystal Ishmael. The boys of the Jets also have their moment in “Gee, Officer Krupke” that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

With that being said, I’d implore you to go see this show for yourself! I’d be remiss however if I didn’t mention other highlights in this production - It was a pleasure to see Martin A. Aviles back in the directors’ chair after previously directing the 2016 production at CM. Aviles is no stranger to West Side Story, as he toured around the world as Bernardo and his experience shows! This production marks the CM debut for Choreographer Daria DeGaetano and after this, I hope to see more. This was also the first time CM veteran Kailey Schnurman has worked as Music Director on a Mainstage production and massive kudos to her! The full company numbers featured strong harmonies that blended wonderfully and is in no small part thanks to her efforts. Scenic designer John Mazzarella does it again, creating an environment that takes you into New York City; paired with the most appropriate costuming from resident Costume Designer Ronald R. Green III, you'll swear you saw the official tour right in Oakdale!

CM Performing Arts Center delivers once again with a timeless classic that you are guaranteed to be talking about for weeks and months to come. West Side Story is running until September 8th and tickets can be purchased in person, by calling the box office, or via their website at www.cmpac.com. 

Cast:

Riff - Jason Steven Kopp

Tony - Louis Bianco V

Action - Logan O’Leary

A-Rab - Clayton Miller

Baby John - Ollie Mauer

Snowboy - Scott Wysocki

Big Deal - Stone Locke

Diesel - Thomas H. Anderson

Gee-Tar - Andrew Canese

Anybodys - Juliana Jagielo*

Graziella - Julie Stewart

Velma - Julianna D’Addario

Minnie - Arianna McMorris

Clarice - Jessica Tusa

Bernardo - Edward E. Martinez

Maria - Laila Canelo

Anita - Camilla Montoya

Chino - Alexander Yagud-Wolek

Pepe - Eduardo D’Atri

Indio - Lorenzo Hilliard

Anxious - Khristian Romano

Nibbles - Josue Ramos

Toro - Jayden Imani Brown

Rosalia - Briana Ude

Consuelo - Sapphyre Otero

Teresita - Marilyn Parada

Francisca - Crystal Ishmael

Estella - Deana Naja

Doc - Robert D. De Persio Jr.

Lt. Schrank - Michael Sherwood

Officer Krupke - Bill O’Leary

Glad Hand - Kevin Todd

UNDERSTUDIES; Chino - Nick Aspris, Officer Krupke - Brendan Noble

*Dance captain

Creative Team:

DIRECTOR - Martin A. Aviles

Choreographer - Daria Degaetano

Music Director - Kailey Schnurman

Stage Manager - Kaitlyn Otto

Scenic Designer - John Mazzarella

Sound Designer - Brian Hetland

Lighting Designer - Ben Hegarty

Costume/Wig Designer - Ronald R. Green III