West Side Story
at James Madison High School

Reviewed on May 3, 2019

Kristen Waagner
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

Amidst graffiti-stained walls and chain-link fences, young boys fight a war that cannot end without death. Only love can heal the racial tensions and gang violence that afflict the West Side. With affecting performances from talented actors, James Madison High School transplants Shakespeare's best-loved tragedy into Manhattan with West Side Story, a tale of star-crossed love, unyielding loyalty, and devastating loss.

With a score by musical legends Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein, West Side Story opened to critical acclaim in 1957, spawning both a 1961 film classic and an upcoming film remake directed by Steven Spielberg. Renowned for its complex melodies and balletic choreography, the tragedy transforms the Montagues and Capulets into the Jets and the Sharks, rival gangs of white and Puerto Rican boys, respectively. In the middle of the racial hatred, love blossoms between Tony, an ex-Jet, and Maria, whose brother leads the Sharks. As ancient grudge breaks to new mutiny, only the two star-crossed lovers can stop the violence before a feud becomes an all-out war.

At the center of the story, Zach Spafford's earnest passion as Tony perfectly complemented Stella Monner's sweet innocence as Maria. A beacon of hope amidst bitter darkness, both actors handled demanding moments of anguish with grace, simultaneously conveying the intense love that grew between them. Spafford's clear tenor soared when paired with Monner's soaring vocals, blending mellifluously in tender numbers like "Tonight."

Tension mounted in every scene featuring the rival gangs thanks to the intense performances of Ryaan Farhadi as Bernardo and Logan Neville as Riff. Farhadi was the epitome of pride, rage always bubbling below the surface, and his robust tone shone through even in large group numbers. In contrast, Neville's Riff was more carefree, laughing at the fate he has been handed and dancing freely (and excellently) in the face of danger. The palpable enmity between the two actors, echoed by their gangs, was only subverted by a moment of levity in "Gee, Officer Krupke." Showcasing the comic chops of the Jets, the satirical number was a relief from the dramatic tension, buoyed by the energetic and committed Ben Eggleston as Action.

Original choreography by Lucy Breedlove and Heather Colbert captured the essence of Jerome Robbins's athletic style, inserting his iconic moves into clean, impressive dance numbers. With flouncing skirts and blue jeans, the 1950s New York atmosphere was augmented by the costume design, which assigned a specific color to different characters until they were united, clad in white, in the dreamy "Somewhere."

The hardships of immigrant life, the disease of gang violence, the sacrifices made for love; West Side Story was unafraid to tackle complex issues. Madison's riveting production of the romantic tragedy reminds audiences that no rivalry is worth losing the ones you love.

Kathryn Webb
St. Paul VI Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Something's coming, something good…something like James Madison High School's production of West Side Story! This classic reimagining of Romeo and Juliet replaces the pageantry and splendor of Verona for the streets of New York City's Upper West Side. Separating the star-crossed lovers of Tony and Maria are the rival gangs of the Jets and the Sharks, and the present racial tension between them. This centuries old story was brought to life again with its book by Arthur Laurents, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and unforgettable music by Leonard Bernstein. James Madison High School took on the intimidating demands of West Side Story and created a performance that was visually stunning and emotionally impactful.

Bringing all the passion of Romeo and Juliet were Zach Spafford as Tony and Stella Monner as Maria. Their characters are the definition of love at first sight, and Spafford and Monner made Tony and Maria not into two characters, but two halves becoming one. The combination of their already strong vocals created yet another outlet for Spafford and Monner to express the fire their characters felt and to tug at the heartstrings of the audience, especially in ballads like "Tonight."

Leading the Jets was Logan Neville as Riff. With his trademark cool attitude, Neville commanded the attention of the audience with nothing more than a snap. Bringing more to the table than just charisma, Neville also demonstrated smooth vocals and impressive dance skills in numbers like "Cool." Ben Eggleston as Action also contributed to the strength of the Jets with an aggressive ferocity while on stage that helped to heighten the tension.

The Jets were a real band of brothers, and as a whole worked as a unit with an infectious energy which was made especially evident in their dance numbers, namely "Prologue." The members of the dance ensemble were able to convey incredible emotion without a single word, executed their choreography with precision, and had the eyes of the audience glued to them. With movement as stunning as that of the Jets, it was impossible to look away for a single moment.

Countering the Jets were the Sharks, led by Ryaan Farhadi as Bernardo. Farhadi's intimidating stature and cold demeanor as Bernardo really lent a hand to creating conflict in the show. Maria Christou as Anita used her character to bring heart to the Sharks, especially in the comic number "America," while at the same time demonstrating to Maria why things are the way they are in the Upper West Side.

While being vocally impressive, the real strength of West Side Story was the extensive dancing. The choreography, by Lucy Breedlove and Heather Colbert, was reflective of the original choreography of Jerome Robbins. There wasn't a weak link in the entire company as everyone collectively executed challenging choreography.

The tension between the two gangs wasn't only created by its actors, there were immense contributions from the technical staff. The student orchestra flawlessly executed Bernstein's challenging score. The costumes crew used color to create a division between the two gangs, which was helpful for differentiation during scuffles. For the rumble scene, the scenic designers decided to finally throw the two groups together with a chain link fence closing them in and creating an inescapable feeling to the violence of the scene.

To put on West Side Story is a tall order - just to do it is impressive. To do it well is astounding, and that's exactly what James Madison High School achieved. Madison Drama created a hauntingly beautiful performance that left audiences devastated and craving that special place for us, somewhere.

Elizabeth DeProspo
Stone Bridge High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

A single finger snap sounds throughout the auditorium, commencing a heart wrenching show of electrically energetic fight scenes, vocally demanding musical numbers, and, above all, steadfast and desperate devotion. James Madison High School beautifully explored the love and impulsiveness of youth in their bittersweet production of West Side Story.

West Side Story, directed by Jerome Robbins and written by Arthur Laurents, premiered on Broadway in 1957, and was immediately commended for its dramatic plot and catchy musical numbers (with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim). The play's star-crossed lovers, Tony and Maria, parallel Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. However, West Side Story takes place set in 1950s Manhattan, and centers around conflict between the Puerto Rican "Sharks" and American-born "Jets," who are deeply divided by racial prejudices. Although the gangs' feud initially seems to be little more than boyish mischief, it escalates quickly and violently, leaving Tony and Maria caught in the cross-hairs.

Stella Monner and Zach Spafford, playing Maria and Tony respectively, led the cast with sweet, passionate chemistry, which was especially obvious during their breathtaking rendition of "Tonight." Monner's powerful and angelic voice stood out in every number and blended beautifully with Spafford's own voice during duets. As Tony, Spafford was instantly lovestruck when he met Maria and allowed raw emotion to bleed into his role, especially during his emotional breakdown when he believed Maria to be dead. Logan Neville played Riff, the leader of the Jets and loyal friend of Tony, and maintained a laid-back and cocky attitude. Neville's casual demeanor perfectly contrasted Ryaan Farhadi's controlling and intense performance as rival gang leader, Bernardo.

Maria Christou was commendable for her performance as Anita, the lover of Bernardo. Christou adeptly switched from playing a grieving girlfriend to a supportive, sister-like figure to Maria during "I Have a Love." Among the Jets, Ben Eggleston stood out for his portrayal of the overly excitable and animalistic Action, especially as he made light of his own neglectful upbringing during "Gee, Officer Krupke," which provided well-needed comic relief during a tense, heavy moment in the show.

In addition, the ensemble brought a refreshing sense of liveliness and fun to each number they appeared in. This was especially evident during challenging songs such as "Prologue," where each gang leapt, twirled, and fought silently for multiple minutes, while still managing to keep the audience engaged by maintaining incredible energy in their movements.

Each technical aspect of the production only further immersed the audience in the show, from the paralyzing realistic gunshot effect at the end of Act II, to the carefully designed set, which featured a movable chain link fence and a silhouette of the Manhattan skyline. The music of West Side Story, composed by master composer Leonard Bernstein, is notoriously demanding; however, the West Side Pit Orchestra handled it with professionalism and tireless energy.

Although West Side Story is a show filled with tension and tragedy, the performers of James Madison High School brought the classic story to life with a perfect blend of comedy, passion, and emotion.

MaryMargaret Lehmkuhler
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

A long, slow whistle rings out in the streets of New York City as two gangs of teenagers prepare for a fight. There seems to be no middle ground, no way for these hardened kids to bury the hatchet. But somehow, over a few short nights, love will bloom on the battlefield.

West Side Story was written during a time of violence. In New York City, gangs of teenagers fought battles and lost their lives to control a few blocks. Based on Romeo and Juliet, the story is set during the tumultuous 1950's, where gang violence and racial hatred was bloody and rampant. The play opened on Broadway in 1957 to positive reviews and speculation on how this daring show would change the medium of musical theatre. The legendary Leonard Bernstein provided the music and a young Steven Sondheim wrote the iconic lyrics to what would become a classic musical.

James Madison High School's West Side story opens with a long, interpretive dance sequence. The dancers executed their steps with vigor and precision, qualities that would stand out for the many complex dances in the show. Through this dance, we learn of two rival gangs: the Sharks and the Jets. At a dance soon after, Tony, a former Jet, and Maria, the sister of a Shark, fall deeply and suddenly in love.

Zach Spafford and Stella Monner gave excellent performances as Tony and Maria. Monner's operatic singing and sweet innocence brought an angelic quality to Maria, while Spafford‘s bashful, head-over-heels portrayal of Tony gave the character an honest charm.

The leaders of the Sharks and the Jets both delivered stunningly immersive performances that swept the audience into the drama of the time period. Ryaan Farhadi portrayed Bernardo, Maria's older brother and the leader of the Sharks, with skill and soul. Farhadi showed great emotional depth under an aggressive surface hardened by years on the streets. Logan Neville's cocky, whip-smart portrayal of the Jet leader Riff endeared him to the audience, as did his stellar dancing.

The actors playing supporting characters gave engaging and vivid performances. Catherine Morrissey delivered a delightfully ditzy performance as Rosalia, a girl who sings the praises of her native Puerto Rico only to be put down by her friends in the number "America." Ben Eggleston was the perfect embodiment of feral teenage rage as Action. His ferocity was only matched by his comedic timing in the number "Gee, Officer Krupke," a delightful romp bashing the justice system for its treatment of juvenile delinquents. The Jets' '50s vocal inflections were consistent throughout, and their hoodlum antics contrasted sharply against their cruel treatment of the Sharks, creating a nuanced portrayal of the gang.

The set perfectly captured the ambience of the time period. During a particularly tense confrontation, chain link fences were placed not only behind the actors but in front of them, a choice that kept the audience engaged and immersed. The lighting enhanced the mood of the show, as did the amazing costumes made by Claire Ashby and Sidney Roth. The costumes wonderfully accentuated the characters, with the Sharks in dark reds and purples and the Jets in tans and blues. Maria and Tony, as neutral parties, wore white to show their pacifist natures.

Overall, James Madison High School's production of West Side Story was a night full of the comedy, tragedy, and romance of forbidden love.

Rachel Kulp
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Insidenova - Sun Gazette

On a warm New York night lit by stars, a single operatic voice soars above the sounds of the city. A young girl, madly in love, bares her soul to the heartless city. Below her, theatergoers sit transfixed, unable to tear their eyes away from her. At James Madison High School's performance of West Side Story, the audience was transported back in time to a place where every love was true and every night ended in bloodshed.

Set in 1950s New York City, West Side Story is a contemporary retelling of Romeo and Juliet. It follows rival gangs and the star-crossed lovers, Tony and Maria, who are caught in the crossfire. The Jets, a gang of American teenagers, clash regularly with the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang. As the two sides meet at the local dance to plan a rumble, Tony, an ex-Jet, and Maria, the sister of the lead Shark, meet. Instantly in love, the two plan to run away together; however, tragedy strikes, ripping the lovers apart. The musical, written by Arthur Laurents, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, opened on Broadway in 1957 and ran for two years. Since its Broadway debut, it was made into the classic 1961 movie and has been revived twice on Broadway.

Zach Spafford, as the charming Tony, superbly executed the challenging role. His bold actions onstage were fearlessly uninhibited, most noticeably in "The Rumble." Particularly in the songs "Something's Coming" and "Maria," Spafford's melodious voice reverberated around the auditorium, enchanting more than just his sweetheart. While on its own, Spafford's velvety tones were magnificent; they only improved with the addition of Stella Monner as Maria. Together, their voices made numbers like "Tonight" and "One Hand, One Heart," ooze with romantic intrigue. Monner embodied a true innocence, impactful when juxtaposed against the cruelty of the gangs.

Other standouts of this performance include Logan Neville as the Jets' leader, Riff, whose charismatic nature sparkled every moment he was onstage, especially in his athletic dancing during "The Prologue" and "The Rumble." Additionally, Ryaan Farhadi as Bernardo and Maria Christou as Anita complemented each other perfectly. Henro Kriel as A-Rab and Catherine Morrissey as Rosalia, each played into the humor of this piece, introducing welcomed moments of levity. These two ensured that "Gee, Officer Krupke" and "America" could not be forgotten.

Some of the most memorable characters in this production were those who did not have as much stage time. For instance, Ben Eggleston (Action) and Lauren Bretl (Anybodys), whose performances stood out, particularly in "Cool" and "America." Also in "America," Lucy Breedlove as Graziela danced impeccably and drew the audience's attention.

This production's excellence stemmed not only from powerhouse performances but also from the technical aspects that enhanced them. The dynamic, two-story set augmented every scene, especially "The Rumble," when the chain-link fence acted as a caged shield between the audience and the violence onstage. The choreography, executed by Lucy Breedlove and Heather Colbert, was engaging and impactful, keeping the audience enthralled during the extensive dance numbers. Lastly, the orchestra skillfully handled the arduous score with dexterity and ease seldom demonstrated by a high school pit.

Those at James Madison High School's production of West Side Story were transported back through the decades to a time of both deep love and bitter hate. With this said, every aspect of this performance ensured that it was "full of light."

Lena Weiman
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School
Submitted for publication to Connection

The lights go up on an empty 1950s New York street, one boy one boy walks on and whistles, and with that the story of rival gangs and star-crossed lovers begins. James Madison High School's production of Arthur Laurents, Stephen Sondheim, and Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story started out with a bang, and it only got better from there.

West Side Story is a legendary musical based on William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. It takes place in the rugged Upper West Side of 1950s New York. The musical follows two gangs, the Sharks, a gang of Puerto Rican immigrants, and the Jets, a white gang, as they fight over territory. The divide between the gangs seems set in stone until Tony, a Jet, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The two cross enemy lines to be together, but will their love cause more damage in the end?

James Madison High School brought this iconic show to life. The large, energetic dance numbers and passionate singing brought the audience back to classic Broadway. The balance between the more humorous first act and the dramatic second act was impeccable, and the violent fight scenes had the audience at the edge of their seats.

Zach Spafford and Stella Moner as Tony and Maria were a breathtaking duo. Spafford's raw emotion and strong voice filled Tony with so much energy, and Moner's almost operatic voice was absolutely stunning. They somehow enhanced each other's voices so well that they sounded even better together than they did by themselves.

The Jets were an energetic ensemble, and every actor had their own distinct character and personality. Logan Neville, who played Tony's best friend Riff, stole the show. His precise dancing, melodic voice, and cool composure enhanced the character and immersed the audience fully into his performance. Henro Kriel and Spencer Kury as A-Rab and Baby John were another dynamic duo. They perfectly maintained the balance between comedy and drama throughout the show.

The Sharks complemented the Jets' energy beautifully. The female dancers honed in on their characters and added energy to every dance that they were in. Maria Christou, who played Anita, Bernardo's girlfriend, fully embodied the character and complemented Stella Monner wonderfully. Ryaan Farhadi as Bernardo had a menacing energy that he maintained throughout the show that was perfect for brooding Bernardo.

The aspect of the show that stood out the most was the dancing. From the ominous prologue to the playful gym dance, each number was filled with precise movements and high energy, and the cast maintained their faces and characters even while perfectly executing the complex dance moves. "Gee, Officer Krupke," a playful and comedic number, was a definite highlight. Ben Eggleston as Action led the number with almost manic yet completely hysterical movements.

The technical aspects of the show wonderfully complemented the lively energy onstage. The beautiful sets helped to immerse the audience into the world of West Side Story, and the set team, Ransom Cain, Rebecca Lewis, and Renee Erickson created everything from a towering balcony to the perfect alley for a rumble. The costume team, Claire Ashby, Sidney Roth, and Lauren Bretl did a fantastic job of creating distinct costumes for the Sharks and the Jets.

Overall, James Madison High School's production of West Side Story was truly a sight to see. The huge dance numbers, dramatic fight sequences, and touching romance shone through each member of the Madison cast.

Piper Luczak
Herndon High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Let's get crackin! James Madison's High School's raw performance of West Side Story was a miraculous display of the talent that can be found in theatre, even at a high school level.

Written by Arthur Laurents, with music composed by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story debuted on Broadway in 1957. Winning two Tonys and nominated for countless other awards, this musical has had a significant impact on the theatre world.

Inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, west side story follows the story of two rival new york city gangs in the 1950s. The tensions between the two gangs, the Jets and the sharks, reaches an all-time high when its discovered that Tony, the leader of the jets, is in love with Maria, the sister of the leader of the sharks. Their forbidden love causes a war between the gangs, ensuing chaos in Manhattan.

Throughout the musical, the entire cast maintained incredible high energy and worked beautifully together as a whole. Kicking off the show was an electric prologue which was filled with sunning choreography and set the bar high for the rest of the show. Stella Monner lit up the stage with her amazing performance of Maria. Monner was able to convey the raw and powerful emotions of her complex character, and her incredible vocal range only added to her performance. She was also able to maintain chemistry with Zach Spafford who portrayed Tony. Spafford was also a standout actor, especially during the emotional end of the musical. The duo's connection worked in harmony with the tension between the two gangs. The tension was prominent thanks to the smart acting choices from Ryaan Farhadi (Bernardo) and Logan Neville (Riff) whose embodiments of their characters progressed the plot. Other notable performances came from Ben Eggleston (Action) whose body language and intense facial expressions shocked the audience, and Maria Christou (Anita) who proved to be a powerful presence on stage.

The depth of the performances on stage wouldn't have been possible though without the hard work the cast and crew put in offstage. The choreography by Lucy Breedlove and Heather Colbert was incredible and added to the magic of the musical. The orchestra was also able to master the difficult composition of West side story. Lastly, the set design was done perfectly and immersed the audience into the production.

Overall, James Madison High School's production of West Side story was miraculously entertaining, and left everyone in the audience speechless.