Review: 'West Side Story' at Connecticut Repertory Theatre

Connecticut Repertory Theatre at the University of Connecticut presents their Nutmeg Summer Series at the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre on the campus in Storrs. The 2106 series began in June with ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!’ and “Peter and the Starcatcher.’ One of my favorite musicals, ‘West Side Story’ with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is the final production in the series and it runs through July 17.

CRT is the professional producing arm of the Department of Dramatic Arts at UCONN, Storrs and their productions are directed, designed by, and cast with visiting professional artists, including Equity actors, faculty members, and the department’s most advanced student artists. The university proclaims in their press releases that the synergy between professional and advanced student artists creates extraordinary theatre and a unique learning environment.

So my expectations were incredibly high as I made the ninety-minute trek to Storrs. My first visit to the massive campus was during a time of major construction projects, but I still managed to find the commuter parking lot positioned relatively close to the theatre. The theatre itself is an older building that is well-maintained and the smallish stage fits nicely the approximately 350-seat house. In the same building there was a wonderful fashion exhibit featuring women’s clothes from the 1980s entitled ‘The Eccentric The Evolution of the Eighties.’

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CRT Artistic Director Vincent J. Cardinal did an outstanding job in his curtain speech of making all of the audience members feel welcomed and appreciated. The opening night audience cheered throughout and were on their feet for curtain call. An opening night reception was held following the performance where patrons were able to mingle with the cast and crew. ‘West Side Story’ runs in Storrs through next Sunday.