PicksInSix Review: West Side Story - Lyric Opera of Chicago

Dazzling, Euphoric “West Side Story” Returns!
PicksInSix® Review | Ed Tracy

In the wake of a theatrical dynamic that has been both indecisive and uncertain, Lyric Opera returns with “West Side Story,” a production that captivated audiences in 2019 and one that has now evolved into a dazzling and euphoric experience all its own. Shattering the tentative resurgence to challenge audiences with new works and reimagined classics that theater companies large and small across the nation are grappling with, Lyric has doubled down to present the quintessential production of “West Side Story” – true to form and scale – on Chicago's largest stage.

Conductor James Lowe’s magnificent 40-piece orchestra, original choreography by Jerome Robbins that has been reproduced by Joshua Bergasse and associate choreographer Kiira Schmidt Carper, the stunning set design by Peter J. Davidson with Jessica Jahn’s costumes all under the direction of Francesca Zambello, merge together to create an extraordinary theatrical landscape.

Amanda Castro reprises her exquisite performance as Anita with the dynamic Brett Thiele returning as Riff, leader of the Jets who wage a street war with the Sharks. The beating heart of the Arthur Laurents book that comes to vibrant life with the music of Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim is the ill-fated love story involving the former Jet Tony (Ryan McCartan) and Maria (Kanisha Feliciano), sister of Shark leader Bernardo (Yurel Echezarreta), that plays out over the course of two days and culminates in a deadly dark alley on New York’s upper west side. Zambello’s surging drama, pitting the two timeless warring factions that operate in territories often delineated by sneakers on powerlines, is unrelenting; a series of never-ending grudge matches that escalate, explode and exist long after untimely deaths, all to one of theater’s most memorable scores.

At opening last Friday, the excitement of expectation in the house was palpable as the dance prologue unfolded to juxtapose the Jets and Sharks as bitter enemies for no other reason than their cultural heritage and unified only in their lack of respect for social boundaries and the law – even if the law is personified by two of the four adults present. Lt. Shrank (Keith Kupferer) and Officer Krupke (John Lister), frustrated by their inability to have any impact on the growing hostility, freely expound their own hateful, racial bias. Only Doc—a fine turn for Genevieve VenJohnson—has some influence to strike home but is, ultimately, twisted hopelessly into the story’s tragic conclusion.

So much of “West Side Story” is wrapped in the chemistry between Tony and Maria. McCartan and Felciano, both accomplished actors and seasoned vocalists, are exceptional. McCartan’s vocal skill is apparent in “Something's Coming” but it is his inspiring “Maria” displaying a richly layered, effortless delivery that stunned the opening night audience to a full stop. Feliciano’s lofty, lush soprano is a perfect fit with McCartan in “Tonight” and “One Hand, One Heart,” and underscoring the dream ballet with a celestial version of “Somewhere.”

In an evening of fast-paced highlights, the choreography of the ensemble is universally amazing as are Castro and the Shark women in “America,” Thiele and the Jets in “The Jet Song,” the comedically radical “Officer Krupke” featuring Nathan Keen as Action and the company’s “Tonight Quintet.” Every moment of this classic is noteworthy – a brilliant production not to be missed! 

PHOTO|Todd Rosenberg

LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO
presents
WEST SIDE STORY
through June 25, 2023

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