West Side Story for Dural

For its May 2015 production, Dural Musical Society (NSW) has chosen West Side Story.  Based on a conception of Jerome Robbins, with book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, 1957 Broadway classic West Side Story is a modern day version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Set on the West Side of New York City, this musical picks up on the passion and aggression of two gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, as they try to take control of their neighbourhood.  In this environment a lifetime can last forty-eight hours, and that is the timespan of this story – a story that revolves around the two gangs and the ‘love at first sight’ relationship between Maria and Tony, who unfortunately come from opposite sides of the street.

While the show was ‘modern’ in the late fifties, the story rings just as true today - covering themes such as peer group pressure, gang behaviour, racial prejudice, young love, and the misguided actions of youth who only see violence as a means to an end.  This is a show that has a great music score and, through its cleverly structured story, takes you to a place that most of us don’t want our young adults to experience.    

West Side Story is directed by Eddie Bruce, who in his youth portrayed Riff, the leader of the Jets.  It is a favourite of his, and as he explains, “While there are strong themes throughout the show, there is also a level of humour that will provide some light relief to the audiences”.

Choreography is by Kate O’Neill, who always delights audiences with her routines, and this show is no exception – assisted by her sister Chrissie, they demand the exuberance you would expect to see in a group of angry, passionate youths.

Musical Direction is by Leo Dent who started working on the music well before the show was cast.  He has assembled a larger ensemble than usual at Dural for this production, recognising the importance of key instruments in reproducing the magic of Leonard Bernstein’s music.

Returning to the society following an extensive break after directing Guys and Dolls, is Phil O’Connor, who is both choreographing the fight sequences and performing the role of the Jets leader, Riff. New to the society, Rewi Pakinga brings his excellent voice to the role of Tony, the young man with a dream that seems to be coming true when he meets Maria, played by Stephanie Quaglia. Two other talented newcomers to DMS are Adam Garden and Sarah Aylen who play Maria’s protective brother Bernardo, and his enticing girlfriend Anita. Emily Daniel is back treading the DMS boards in the key role of Anybodys, a tomboy trying to join the Jets.  Cameo ‘adult’ roles are played by  DMS stalwarts – Andrew McLean as Lieutenant Schrank, Ben-Wilson-Hill as Officer Krupke, and Ian McLean as Doc. 

For the first time, Dural Musical Society is making use of a Thrust Stage – taking the performers to the audience who will be sitting on three sides of the performing space.  Rather than the usual stylised reproduction of a show where the audience face the stage, the production team are taking the aggression of the gangs, and the passion of the dancing into the audience. 

Performance Details

Dural Soldiers Memorial Hall, 604 Old Northern Rd, Dural (opposite Redfield College)  

Evening Performance Dates: 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 May at 8.00 p.m.

Matinee Performance Dates: 17, 24 May at 2.00 p.m.

Adults: $25, Children/Concessions: $15

42 Bannerman Trattoria E Bar Dining/Show Package -  Adults:  $65     Concessions: $55

Bookings through Tickets4me (previously MCA Ticketing) on 1300 306 776 - (booking fee charged)

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