West Side Story is a reimagining of Romeo and Juliet, set among rival gangs in New York. With music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, it includes well-known songs such as America, Tonight, and Somewhere.
This week, the youth theatre company DIY Theatre Co, based in Sunningwell and Oxford, collaborated with musicians from Leiden (Netherlands), dancers from Grenoble (France), and actors from Bonn (Germany) – three of Oxford’s twin towns.
After rehearsals at Trinity Church, the international cast brought West Side Story to the Amey Theatre for final rehearsals, and performances on the 22nd and 23rd of August, including a Matinee.
The young performers gave strong and enthusiastic performances in both acting and dance, supported by a live band who were excellent.
The production brought together young people from across Europe, not only to stage a demanding musical but also to build links between the towns involved. The audience were enthusiastic and gave the cast sustained applause.
What a great event!
Some of the group numbers were worthy of the West End. Outstanding energy and enthusiasm. Staging, sets and music were all cohesive making for a realistic adaptation. I expect some of the young performers will go on to do great things.