WEST SIDE STORY is playing at the Aronoff Center and FFC writers Amy & Shannan had a chance to check out the show earlier this week. Their review –If you’re looking for a night out on the town – sans kiddos, it would make a great date night activity.
One of our favorite scenes - Sharks and Jets at the dance
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The energy on stage is insane.
If you are not familiar with West Side Story, it is a musical that was inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It’s set in New York City in the 1950’s and follows the rivalry between two neighborhood gangs, the Sharks and the Jets. Like in Romeo and Juliet, one of the Jets (Tony) falls in love with the sister of the leader of the Sharks (Maria). Drama soon follows.
As we mentioned before, West Side Story is a musical, and it’s one of those musicals that is known for it’s music. Some songs you may know include “I Feel Pretty,” “America,” “Jet Song,” and “Somewhere.”
Like you would expect from The Broadway series, West Side Story doesn’t disappoint. From the talented actors, to the dance choreography to the songs. It’s an overall wonderful evening.
From left Gizel Jimenez, Kathryn Lin Terza, Evy Ortiz and Lori Ann Ferreri
If you’d like to see West Side Story, it’ll be at The Aronoff Center through March 11, 2012. Show times are Tuesdays-Fridays at 8:00PM, Saturdays at 2:00PM and 8:00PM, and Sundays at 1:00PM and 6:30PM.
Tickets start at $27.50 and may be purchased, online at BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com as well as by phone at (800) 982.2787.
Thinking you might want to take the kids to see West Side Story? Here’s what the website says when it comes to bringing kids:
Is West Side Story Good for Kids?
Let’s make one thing clear—audience members of all ages should come armed with tissues. Like its Shakespearian predecessor, all is not well that doesn’t end well, so those upset by anything less than a pitch-perfect happy ending should enter warily. The show also deals with adult themes: violence, murder, rape and bigotry all get their turn in the spotlight, as do bad language, sexual innuendos and racial slurs. While the tiniest tots may not be ready for this sort of musical education, West Side Story is a valuable experience for theater buffs and newbies alike. If your brood can handle the Academy Award-winning film, then they (and you) will be well prepared for what will play out on the Broadway stage. West Side Story is suggested for ages 13 and up.
Disclosure: The Broadway Series was nice enough to provide Shannan with tickets to West Side Story. We really enjoyed the show and decided to write about it here on FFC.
