With a story line that is as relevant today as it was decades ago,West Side Story at Curve manages to stir every emotion.
The audience witnessed something pretty special last night, bringing 1950's America onto the stage in spectacular style.
The musical, inspired by Shakespeare's classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet has, in the words of Curve's West Side Story choreographer Ellen Kane 'all the right ingredients to create something new'.
And this production, directed by Nikolai Foster, has done that, and more. The production is exhilarating, fast paced, energetic, passionate. The choreography is spot on - everything about the work was mesmerising.
The set, cleverly created by Michael Taylor, includes a huge pile of trash, with discarded white goods in the background, and in the foreground a moveable three storey creation incorporating Doc's bar, giving the illusion of height and depth making the audience feel part of the action. Metal fences are moved seamlessly from one scene to another.
Lighting Designer Guy Hoare has managed to work with the set to create lighting that matches every mood, and the result is incredible.
Every member of this 20-strong cast is bursting with energy and passion which brings this production to life. Jamie Muscato's Tony and Adriana Ivelisse's Maria are just exquisite, with wonderful vocals.
The portrayal of the two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks is well executed - with the fight scenes showing the grim reality of gang life.
Look out for Gee, Officer Krupke - really, really entertaining - but with a serious message at it's heart.
The 15-piece orchestra, although hidden at the start, made it's presence felt with a wonderful score and it was pretty spectacular when they were revealed above the 'train tracks' at the back of the stage.
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Everything about this show exudes top class entertainment - bravo Curve
West Side Story is at Curve November 29 until Saturday 11 January 2020
Tickets £49.50 – £10
