West Side Story Production in Sault Ste. Marie Pays Tribute to Original Artistry
A recent production of West Side Story in Sault Ste. Marie has been hailed as a heartfelt and entertaining take on the classic musical. The Sault’s Musical Comedy Guild presented the show at the Sault Community Theatre Centre, featuring a large cast of over 50 performers. According to a review by The Sault Star, the production was a success, paying tribute to the original artistry while forging a creative style of its own.
The musical, which debuted on Broadway in 1957, remains a timeless piece, tackling themes of bigotry, cultural misunderstanding, and violence. The Sault’s Musical Comedy Guild production, directed by David Dellaire, adopted an inclusive approach, casting performers from diverse backgrounds and challenging traditional ethnic and gender roles. As noted by The Sault Star, "The Guild’s production is heartfelt in substance and full of entertainment value at the same time. It pays tribute to the original artistry that is so beloved with this show but still manages a creative style of its own."
The production featured strong vocals and creative choreography, with standout performances from Candela Harmsen as Maria and Andrew Stuetz as Tony, the star-crossed lovers at the centre of the story. The musical numbers, including "Something’s Coming," "The Dance at the Gym," and "Somewhere," were executed with energy and passion. The Sault Star praised the cast, stating, "The musical numbers are executed with energy, passion and flair and it’s hard to pick favourites."
The secondary characters also delivered impressive performances, with Emma Dingle shining as Anita and Josh Filion bringing swagger to the role of Riff. The multi-level set, designed with a chain-link fence and dirty storefronts, effectively captured the gritty atmosphere of 1950s Manhattan. As The Sault Star noted, "The multi-level set… works well and the scene changes are handled smoothly."
The production of West Side Story runs from April 23 to 26, with tickets available at the box office in Station Mall and online. With its powerful themes and memorable music, this show is not to be missed. The Sault Star concluded, "West Side Story combines message and artistry with commitment and grace."
In conclusion, the Musical Comedy Guild’s production of West Side Story in Sault Ste. Marie is a must-see for fans of the classic musical. With its talented cast, creative choreography, and heartfelt performances, this show is sure to leave a lasting impression. As The Sault Star stated, "The ending makes an impact." Don’t miss your chance to experience this timeless piece of artistry.
