CTORA Brings Timeless Classic West Side Story to Life with Authenticity and Passion
In an era where societal divisions seem to be growing, the classic musical West Side Story remains hauntingly relevant, its themes of love, unity, and acceptance continuing to resonate with audiences today. For Canadian theatre company CTORA, bringing this beloved show to life is not just about entertaining; it’s about sharing a powerful message of hope and togetherness.
According to Create a Stir, the source of this article, which had an exclusive interview with the cast and crew, CTORA’s production of West Side Story is a masterclass in authenticity. The show’s director, Roberts, notes that the story’s enduring relevance is a significant part of its authenticity. "We see so much societal pressure these days of finding reasons to ‘other’ people and ‘other’ ourselves from each other, to find differences, and to place ourselves into different camps," Roberts said. "But when you get down to it, like Maria says in the show, we are the same. There is far more that unites us than makes us different, especially in times like these."
One of the key elements that sets CTORA’s production apart is its commitment to ethnically appropriate casting. The company has cast performers from Latin backgrounds for the Sharks characters, a decision that Consiglio, the show’s producer, believes is essential to the show’s authenticity. "This is an incredible opportunity for our Latino community," Consiglio stated. "As well, a lot of our cast members weren’t born in Canada and have immigrated here. This is an opportunity for them to shine, and for Vancouver audiences to see that we have a lot of incredible talent and diversity in our community. I think this is going to be a really cool show, especially because it’s cast appropriately."
CTORA’s production also boasts another significant feature of authenticity: the re-creation of Broadway legend Jerome Robbins’s iconic choreography. The company’s choreographer, Suzanne Ouellette, and dance captain, Jennifer Lynch, have meticulously studied Robbins’s notes to revive his choreography, which helped establish West Side Story as one of the greatest dance musicals of all time.
According to Roberts, CTORA’s production of West Side Story offers more than just truthful performances and ethnically appropriate casting; it provides a commentary on how love inspires a better world. "When Tony and Maria find each other, it’s not just that they fall in love and want to be with each other," Roberts explained. "They want to make everything around them better. They want to stop the conflict between the Jets and the Sharks. And I think that’s the power of not just romantic love, but love in general. It has the power to bring us together and hopefully make the world a better place."
CTORA’s West Side Story is a testament to the enduring power of love and unity, and its themes are as relevant today as they were when the show first premiered nearly 70 years ago. With its authentic performances, ethnically appropriate casting, and iconic choreography, this production is set to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact. As Create a Stir reports, CTORA’s production of West Side Story is a must-see event that promises to inspire and uplift.
CTORA’s commitment to authenticity and passion is evident in every aspect of the production, from the casting to the choreography. This attention to detail and dedication to the source material is what sets CTORA’s production apart and makes it a standout in the world of theatre. As Roberts so eloquently put it, "Love has the power to bring us together and hopefully make the world a better place."
CTORA’s West Side Story runs from [Date] to [Date] at [Venue]. For tickets and more information, please visit [Website].
