West Side Story
at University

Reviewed on March 16, 2018

Jamie Auer
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Uni's "West Side Story" Delivers a Timeless Tragedy
written by Jamie Auer, a junior at San Juan Hills High School

Showcasing an intensely passionate company, University High School presents a beautifully tragic production of "West Side Story." This modern adaptation of Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet" centers around a doomed love affair between members of two rival gangs, the Sharks and the Jets, who were pushed the brink through escalating turf wars and racial tension.

Portraying the misguided ingenue Maria, Sarika Mande oozes innocence and naivety as she proclaims her love for Tony (Davide Costa) in a gentle soprano that steals the show. Through her magnetic chemistry with Costa, Mande entrances with her soft Puerto Rican accent and rhythmic dancing. Filled with devastation, she angrily marches around the stage commanding attention in the penultimate scene.

Maria's best friend Anita (Shaden Ahadi) is all fire and passion in her no-nonsense scolding of Maria's recklessness in "A Boy Like That." From her entrance as the proud immigrant from Puerto Rico to the furiously heartbroken woman assaulted by the Jets, Ahadi impresses. As anger stirs within her, a thick accent and broken expression further exemplify her demanding stage presence as Anita screams that Maria has been murdered by Chino (Gino Torquato).

Juxtaposing the dramatic tone of the story, Erik Diaz's portrayal of Jet member Action comically entrances in "Gee, Officer Krupke." With flailing arms and quick delivery recounting the 'social disease' of teenage delinquency, he shines.

Costume Designers Audrey Arellano and Giana DiTolla successfully distinguish each gang through their use of clear and distinct colors and patterns for the Sharks and the Jets. Shark Girls wore simplistic yet elegant dresses that revealed pops of color in their petticoats when fervently dancing. The Shark Girls' faces were accentuated through appropriate contouring designed by Taylor Han, further characterizing their gang and sensuality.

The harsh neighborhood was skillfully defined by detailed wooden panels and brick, transitioning into different storefronts and interiors as the story progressed. The running crew was able to quickly and smoothly flip the buildings to reveal the bridal shop and Maria's house in comprehensive setting changes that ultimately solidified the realism of the technical elements.

In the midst of senseless violence, this universal story of star-crossed lovers is masterfully depicted in a heart-wrenching world where hate and ignorance are unyielding.

Ryan Puterbaugh
Beckman
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

University plays 'West Side Story' Real Cool
written by Ryan Puterbaugh, a sophomore at Beckman High School

A modern retelling of the classic "Romeo and Juliet," "West Side Story" features two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, from which two unlikely and forbidden lovers emerge. Tony and Maria come from different backgrounds, and they hardly know each other, but their love for each other grows as the violence and danger around them do. Set in 1950s New York, University High School's production raises questions about family loyalty and the power of love to transcend even the widest of social divides.

At the core of this production is the conflict between the gangs, and the Jet Boys (Isaac Kopstein, Erik Diaz, Jonathan Kfir, et al.) bring tense energy and appropriate angst to each of their dance numbers. "Cool" highlights the boys' pent up rage, and the actors' precise, explosive execution of the choreography brings this emotion to life. On the other hand, the Jets fill "Gee, Officer Krupke" with light-hearted yet purposeful comedy, expressing their knack for humor despite violent and dangerous circumstances.

In general, the entire ensemble does a wonderful job reacting to everything happening on stage and creating a believable environment. From dances to brawls, they carry a persistent urgency that carries over from their dancing to their acting.

Shaden Ahadi steals the show as Anita. In "America," she is energetic, frivolous, and flirtatious, highlighting how much she enjoys her current life. However, she shows Anita's drastic character arc through gradual changes in her attitude and behavior. By "A Boy Like That," she is jaded and becomes the voice of reason to her friend Maria (Sarika Mande). After being raped by the Jets, she shows fierce, violent hatred on par with the gangs themselves.

The chemistry between Sarika Mande and Davide Costa as Maria and Tony, respectively, is palpable. Together, their vocals supersede the underlying tension coming from the gangs in "Tonight."

Under all of this is the exquisite work of the Audrey Arellano and Giana DiTolla on costumes. They use blue and red to distinguish the Jets and the Sharks, respectively, but in "Dream Ballet," they all wear plain white. This use of costume design contributes to realization that the rivals are not so different after all.

University High School's production of "West Side Story" features excellent ensemble work and speaks to the sheer power of love to drive people to extremes.

Alexis Fintland
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Uni's "West Side Story" Is Eye-opening and Heart-wrenching
written by Alexis Fintland, a senior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

Set in the mid-1950's within the Upper West Side neighborhood of New York City, University High School's production of "West Side Story" explores the ramifications of a prejudiced rivalry between a Puerto Rican (Sharks) and Caucasian (Jets) teenage street gangs. In this Shakespearean-styled star-crossed lovers tale, two lovers from opposing gangs attempt to fight their societal disparities for a chance at defeating forbidden love.

Davide Costa as Tony radiates charm and sincerity after leaving his days as a member of the Jets in pursuit of a new lifestyle. After unexpectedly encountering Maria (Sarika Mande), sister to the leader of the Sharks, both Costa and Mande successfully capture the heart-warming innocence of their love through their outstanding vocal duets and riveting chemistry on stage.

As leader of the Jets and best friend to Tony, Riff, played Isaac Kopstein, asserts a powerful stage presence. Kopstein's masculine persona combines with his unwavering confidence to convey his authority over the other gang members. In addition, his sequences of phenomenal dance routines alongside Action (Erik Diaz) truly enhance the overall production.

In opposition to Riff, Dalton Nguyen as Bernardo embodies a fierce intensity as the leader of the Sharks. However, Bernardo's role as Maria's protective brother demonstrates the complexity of Nguyen's character as he reveals feelings of tenderness and sensitivity. Bernardo's love interest Anita (Shaden Ahadi) emulates similar emotions when comforting Maria after realizing Maria's love for Tony is as strong as hers is for Bernardo.

Integrating with the cast's powerful performance is University's fluid execution of technical elements. The Uni Pit Orchestra excels in establishing the show's mood in the opening number "Prologue." As the show progresses, the music intensifies and becomes increasingly sophisticated, replicating the darkening nature of each scene. Lighting executed by Amir Fanaei effectively conveys the complex, heavy emotions that are portrayed throughout the production. The contrast of blues for the Jets and red for the Sharks emphasizes the racial divisions between both gangs, while the deep blues and light pinks convey the passionate love that Tony feels after stumbling upon Maria.

The cast and crew of University High School's "West Side Story" come together to deliver a powerful message condemning prejudice, conflict, and violence, while demonstrating that the only thing stronger than hate, is love.