After a bumpy first half, Act II of The Muny’s "West Side Story" is worth the wait

As we all know, “West Side Story” is a musical inspired by “Romeo and Juliet” about two rival gangs in New York City, the Sharks and the Jets (my husband once tricked me into watching a hockey game on tv saying it was “West Side Story” on ice… but I digress). Originally conceived, choreographed and directed by Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (his Broadway debut), and a book by Arthur Laurents in 1958 it garnered six Tony nominations winning two, one for Robbins’ choreography. It has had four subsequent successful Broadway revivals most recently in 2020.

The Muny’s “West Side Story” is certainly an homage to the Broadway original. The impressive set, designed by St. Louisan now NY-based Ann Beyersdorfer, sits floor to sky rotating seamlessly from New York back alleys to Maria’s bedroom to Pop’s drug store to the bridal shop and so on. The dresses at the dance, designed by Gail Baldoni, are vivid and enhance the choreography. Regarding costumes for the Sharks and Jets, I would prefer a bit more distinction in the opening fight scene, especially from a distance.

Kudos to casting across the board on this production. Our star-crossed lovers, Tony and Maria, played by Christian Douglas and Kanisha Feliciano are vocal perfection. Grace Marie Rusnica as the “Somewhere” soloist in Act Two is absolutely ethereal. This production features a number of actors from the recent film version of “West Side Story” as well. It’s delightful to see locals in key roles and here we have Drew Battles, Michael James Reed, and the always fantastic Ken Page.

Act One starts out a bit rocky with the choreography somewhat out of sync. This is disappointing in such a dance heavy show, especially in the opening sequence. I expect to be hurled into the world of the Sharks and the Jets from the get go and that doesn’t happen. In fact it’s all a bit lackluster except for for the dresses at the dance and the musical number “Cool”. But after intermission it’s practically a completely different play. Almost as if the coach came in at half-time and gave the pep talk of all pep talks. The dream sequence with the company during “Somewhere” is breathtaking, heartbreaking, and incredibly timely. “Gee, Officer Krupke” with Action and the Jets is hysterical and played with such comic genius it’s virtually a play all on its own. And in the finale (spoiler alert) when Maria brandishes Chino’s gun and exclaims “I can kill now because I hate now”, she becomes the poster child for gun control.

As always, the full orchestra at The Muny is a very special treat and “West Side Story” is no exception. While the first half may be unexciting the second half is more than worth the wait and the set and costumes are terrific all the way through.

 “West Side Story” at The Muny runs through July 21st. For tickets and information visit The Muny website.