West Side Story at Ridley High School

Theater: Ridley High School
Show Title: West Side Story
Seen: April 5,2008
Reviewer: Joseph Denny

New York gangs! Intense fight scenes! Saucy señoritas! What more does a
musical need? Possibly some amazing choreography and superb soloists. Oh
wait! They had that too! Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story took on new
life when performed last weekend by Ridley High School!

Almost everyone claims to have seen or know about West Side Story, where
Shakespeare's star crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet are pulled from rival New
York street gangs. The original performances of this show shocked audiences
with the violence and racial hatred depicted on the stage.

Today, the only thing shocking about Ridley High School’s production was the
level at which it was performed. The literal and figurative leaps and bounds
taken by the cast and crew elevated this production above many others, and
put the well known movie to shame. The intensity the cast embodied is
unparalleled at the high school level, and rare at even at higher levels.
Never before has this reviewer seen a production with such raw power in its
delicate dance of intrigue.

The gangs tear up the stage in choreographed fury. Riff, played by Josh
Wachter, leads the Jets against their rivals, the Sharks, lead by Bernardo
and played by Zack Wolk. In the midst of this bitter hatred and violent
turmoil Maria, played by Brittany Arnao, and Tony, played by Greg Clark,
proclaim their love in incredible vocal performances. With memorable musical
numbers such as “America” and “Gee Officer Krupke” the audience is drawn
completely into this experience of love and loss on the streets of New York
city.

The professional level of the cast was only matched by that of the pit
orchestra, also a student ensemble. Though West Side Story is classified as
a musical tragedy, the real tragedy would be in missing this outstanding
performance.

by Joseph Denny of Msgr. Bonner and Abp. Prendergast Catholic High School