There’s a place for us. 
Somewhere, a place for us. 
Peace and quiet and open air. 
Wait for us. 
Somewhere.

I have never been a fan of Bernstein, Sondheim and Laurents’ West Side Story. Hated the 1961 film (although enjoyed the 2021 remake) and have always found the characters unlikable. I have even performed the show on stage, and still did not enjoy it. However, I loved this version from the wonderful Starcross Youth Theatre.

What can I say? I see many amateur and youth companies and in Starcross, an exceptional quality of talent runs throughout. There were no weak areas in this production, time flying fast due to being captivated by what was on view. Of course, West Side Story is one of the best-known musicals going. A re-imaging of Romeo and Juliet set to gang warfare in 1950s New York. And as I have said, few characters in the show are likable, but still engaging all the same.

Playing Tony was Brandon Harrison who once more shone in a lead role, excelling during Something Coming and Maria. Then, complimenting him as Maria herself in this performance was Christine Cross. A believable portrayal with added petulance and fight which brought more to Maria than just being perfect, which has often been the case in the role. Great control in voice, hitting the top notes during Tonight and One Hand, One Heart, in particular. Plus, excellent acting and dance.

As Anita, we had the outstanding Kelsey Taylor. This is such a good role and Taylor totally gave it justice with A Boy Like That. Superb. In the part of Riff, Alex Hill was on form as the hot-headed leader of the Jets, as was his Shark counterpart, Bernardo (Dimitri McDonald). One other performance also standing out in the principals was Lily Cross as Action where I totally believed the anger issues shown in the characterisation. That moment where one person constantly grabs your attention each time they are on stage.

The rest of the cast was made up by Noel Jeavons (Diesel), Tia Rafferty (A-Rab), Daisy Lunt (Baby John), Emmie Adcock (Snowboy), Callum Brothwood (Gee-tar), Sophie Spruce (Mouthpiece), Lucy Keates (Spiff), Lauren Downes (Anybody’s), Jack Harley (Chino), Jay McDonald (Pepe), Requane Wade (Luis), Mia Lombard (Anxious), Elle Fletcher-Brown (Nibbles), Grace Froggatt (Juano), Zadie Wilson-Smith (Toro), River Onions (Rosalia), Lexie Jennings (Consuella), Shayera McDonald (Francisca), Lottie Wilkes (Margarita), Lily-Grace Palmer (Estella), Scarlet Bennett (Graziella), Alexa Nutting (Velma), Darcy Harman (Minnie), Holly Hunter (Clarice), Harry Webb (Doc) and Jaime Nutting (Krupke).

The final cast member to be mentioned gets a special one as six years ago I played Shrank, so I took note and not only was Mitchell Griffiths strong and commanding as the Police Lieutenant, but I was also genuinely scared at times.

On alternate performances some roles were changed, including Maria/Darcy Harman, Riff/Lucy Keates, Anita/Holly Hunter, A-Rab/Jack Harley, Pepe/Ellie Fletcher-Brown and Lily-Grace Palmer/Consuela, all swapping the roles with those I saw.

This production pulled no punches, particularly staying faithful during that scene towards the end in Doc’s Drug Store. Shocking, yet not glorified. I must also credit some wonderful choreography, especially during the dream sequence, plus America and Dance at the Gym. There was so much to enjoy about this offering, and I do think Starcross has won me over into liking West Side Story now. And how can I finish without mentioning the epic Tonight Quintet? Heck, the whole show was amazing.

At the helm in terms of production, direction and choreography were husband and wife team and Starcross founders, Belinda and Phil Cross MBE. The vocals were also on top form throughout, and this is a testament to the direction of Ben Batt in terms of music, with support from Ashleigh Foster. Especially so as due to West Side being ridiculously OTT and expensive to do with a live orchestra, backing tracks were used by Starcross. Most in the audience would not have been able to tell, and how brilliant it was that the timings were all spot on. Such a feat. As well as playing Maria on the night, Christine Cross also aided in production as well as choreography where the latter area was then supported by April Kruszynski, Emma Babiy and Brandon Harrison.

A thoroughly enjoyable night.

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

*Photos taken from Social Media.