Theater Review: 'West Side Story' by Landmark Community Teen Theatre

Landmark Community Theatre Teen Theatre program is presenting their production of “West Side Story.” The students in the cast have been in rehearsal for twelve weeks with their director Lucia Greene, making her directorial debut, and are proudly presenting their interpretation.

In the classic “West Side Story,” with a book by Arthur Laurents based on a conception of Jerome Robbins, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks.

Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time. Recently remade by Steven Spielberg in 2021, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time.

The director saw her first production of the musical when she was 15 years old, and “it was the first time I knew there could be leading roles for the Latinx community…In many ways, I am living a dream come true for both my young and current self.” Greene is a school counselor in the Waterbury Public Schools and a healing arts practitioner.

The glorious music that helps tell the story was written by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The young performers sing it well.

At the matinee that I attended, Joel Osborne stepped up to cover the important role of Tony with only two days notice and did an amazing job in the role. In the bilingual prerecorded message, the director shared that Osborne may use a script at some points, but I never noticed him doing so. The fact that he was able to memorize his lines, lyrics and blocking in such a short time is truly remarkable. Osborne has worked with Litchfield High School and Goshen Players. Quinn Soulliere is expected to return for the final performances.

Mireya Trelles (above in costume) is an absolutely beautiful Maria, with an amazing soprano singing voice and the perfect Spanish accent. When she goes into a monologue in Spanish about the white dress that Anita has made for her, even those who do not speak Spanish can’t help but laugh. Trelles is a graduate of WAMS (Reno in “Anything Goes, “All Shook Up”) and played Eponine in “Les Miserables” at Landmark, and will head to WCSU to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre in the fall, where she will continue to shine.

Brianna Ortiz (Wednesday in “Addams Family”) gives a strong performance that is beyond her years. Steven McCabe does well as Bernardo, the brother of Maria. Evan Danyliw shines as Riff and Ethan Wollman is a great Diesel, especially when he dances. Jozsef Herczeg is also a standout in the role of Doc and Taryn McWilliams does well as Anybody’s.

Konnor Birkenberger plays A-Rab, Carter Effrece is Baby John, Erica Dessalines is Consuela, Noah Gomez is Indio, Grace Henderson is Graziela, Matt Paolino plays both Officer Krupke and Glad Hand, Nathan Pepler portrays Action, Sadie J. Rodriguez is Velma, Julien Rosario is Pepe, Cecilia Tiul is Francisca, Mateo Velasquez Maineri is Chino, Tyler Violette is Snowboy, Tyler Veronesi is a commanding Lt. Shrank.

Christian Winter is the music director who helped the students stay in synch with the recorded tracks of accompaniment and ensured that the singers were in tight harmonies. Winter’s love of theater began in 2015 at Newbury Musical Theatre. Liam Dempsey choreographed the dance numbers that gave the students a chance to shine.

Costumes designed by Mary-Cay Desocio fit the time period and Ian Jones served as technical director, who also designed the compact set. Lighting designed by Lucas Peck worked well and contained some surprises, like the red, white and blue lights for “America.” Veteran community theater actress Joanne Chenkus served as stage manager for the production and sends her gratitude to the director: “Lucia, estoy muy agradecida por tu inmensa Paciencia y fe” (Lucia, I am very grateful for your immense patience and faith.)

Many talented young performers appear in the chorus as Sharks and Jets. The young men shine in “Gee, Officer Krupke” and enter through the house for some of their scenes.

Try to arrive early to enjoy the work of Opera House Organist Juan Cardona, Jr. Remaining performances are Aug. 25, 26 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. The students perform on the stage at the Thomaston Opera House located at 158 Main St. Admission $26

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the CCC Facebook page.