nice but too violent

I enjoyed the Spanish but do understand that may have been a turn off for most. I think that there should have been greater attention to warning folks of the sexual and violent behavior which is not clear form the “some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.”

slow,harsh

Every scene, maybe every other sentence, gave me 10-60 extra seconds to appreciate it, which did not produce the desired effect. The show has 2 highlights: 1) the song America (Somewhere, Maria & Tonight are great songs, intolerable in this performance), and 2) Karen Olivo, who is sensational. The rest of the cast was hard to take. And I really disliked the humping and grabbing. If this show should be made more modern, develop some other techniques and ideas. The ponderous overwhelming melodrama of the 3 scene ending was just irritating. I got a completely unintended social commentary when the combination of Anita's near-rape scene and my general distaste for the production left me angry at what women must endure to succeed in showbiz.

Highly Disappointing

I saw the show on Dec. 26th, same night that we got to see the understudy for Tony and I was thoroughly disappointed with the entire production - excluding the dancing and Maria and Anita. What makes musicals work is the whole package: singing, dancing, AND ACTING. I was not impressed by the acting of any member of the cast, from top to bottom. Tony was almost comical how sauve and cool he was trying to be in every scene and he had absolutely no stage presence. Riff was shouting all of his lines and Bernardo was lifeless. This show has such immense possibilities for male characters and it fell quite flat. But to top it all off - THIS SHOW IS GOING TO BROADWAY! Broadway! Isn't this supposed to be the best talent we can find? Sad...

Some great moments, but overall disappointing

Saw this last night, the 31st. Had some great moments ("Something's Coming," "Tonight") and the actress playing Maria was great. But over all the show seemed bloated. The non-musical "book" scenes had little energy. I get the idea behind the Spanish but wanted to understand the words. (Going this route, should "Cabaret" be in German and "Fiddler" in Russian?) Also, the Krupke number seemed unnecessary, esp. in a show that was already so long. This show makes me think that musicals should be limited to one 90 minute act to work their magic. Both audiences and actors will be grateful. All this aside, there is real talent(!) in this show, which made the lackluster result frustrating. I hope they tighten/punch up the show before NY.

Mistaken Intentions

Musical theatre exists in its own world--people sing when they're happy or dance. Not like in real life. A famous opera has Chinese people singing in Italian--no one objects. So if Puerto Ricans sing in English, what's the problem? We're not doing a naturalistic theatre production, and Sondheim's lyrics for these Puerto Ricans are among the best ever written, even if in English. Street thugs dance out their rivalries--we enjoy it, rather than feel appalled. And then there's the Krupke number, usually a show-stopper, but not this time. It had to be made more "realistic." Give me a break. This song is perhaps the greatest parody of the criminal justice/social welfare systems' inability to resolve juvenile delinquency. Let it be what it is.

Unintelligible yet still racist

I had very good orchestra seats and could not see supertitles anywhere. As a native of Latin America, I understood the parts in Spanish but my kids did not and missed some key parts. If you want to make this more authentic without destroying the connection with an American audience, cast native speakers of Caribbean Spanish and make them speak only English, instead of 1) a blonde Argentinian with an accent to match as Maria (which perpetuates the racist assumption that the heroine has to be white), 2) another South American as Bernardo (note to the gringo director: South America is not the Caribbean), 3) actors with deficient Spanish as Chino and the girl who wants to go back to San Juan, who was hard to understand in either language.

Pleasantly surprised

After reading all the negative reviews of those that went to some of the earlier performances, I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised and fully satisfied with last night's show (12/29). The cast is great and they're suppose to be young! The actor that plays Tony fit the role just fine and has a great a voice. The girls were also great and the dancing surberb. Like many of the other reviewers, I could go for less Spanish, at least when it came to singing the songs. I just think it takes more away than adds.

cut the cheese

There are great things about the show: the dancing; emphasizing the parallels to Romeo and Juliet more closely than the original; the bilingual lyrics; the Latin Americans in the cast (Maria!). Ok, but not great: all the male leads; Tony's vibrato could rattle windows, but he can act and is age appropriate. The truly awful: they HAVE to get rid of the cheesy kid singing There's a Place for Us. That whole scene reeked like old Munster and made the production fall to amateur night. Whoever thought that was a good idea should be forever barred from theater.

Fresh, Energetic

The show is wonderful! I had no problem with the occassional Spanish scenes and songs, you could still tell what was happening. These are very fresh, hugely energetic performances by the very young, very talented cast. Much darker (and more interesting) than the (sappy) movie.

On it's way to Broadway?

Attended last nights performance of West Side Story at the National. Unfortunately we saw the understudy for Tony Matthew Hydzik (too Doogie Hauser, and a weak voice). But the change to politically correct lyrics and dialogue brought the show to a stop. It did not move the story along by changing to Spanish, it just made everyone who knew the show have to stop and try and remember the real lyrics/dialogue. Those who did not know the show like my wife were left just trying to appreciate the singing. Some numbers like company singing Tonight in Act I were totally ruined by the inclusion of Spanish lyrics that did not even match the number rhythmically. The most powerful song in the entire show was ruined.

Brutal Male Leads

Fridday, Dec. 26: Great female leads. Brutal male leads. Matt Cavanaugh (Tony) fell 3 feet from a ladder and behaved like he was shot in battle while delaying the show for 30 to 40 minutes before heading to the hospital. Similarly, the other male leads (including Cavanaugh's understudy) were too shy and soft spoken (read "Wimpy") to pull off their roles. On the other hand, the female leads (especially the actress portraying Anita) were scene stealers.

Great dancing...

Dec 25, pm. The dancing was excellent, but the male leads do not have strong enough voices or presence. Costumes and staging seemed uncertain about what decade the show was placed in. Use of Spanish added lots to the show. Overall I enjoyed it, but not five times more than a good movie, which is what the (cheapest) tickets cost.

Great performance! West Side Story

The understudy, Matthew Hydzik, did a fantastic job at the performance on Friday, December 26!! The chemistry between his character-Tony and Josefina Scaglione's- Maria was extremely believable. The sets were great. And as for other's bad comments on the Spanish- Have you never seen West Side Story before? Have you never seen an Opera that is not in English, either? Just enjoy the music and the energy and don't be so critical!! It's felt the Spanish was/ is very appropriate!

New life is breathed into an often misinterpreted classic

Beautiful production. Sure, there is work to be done before broadway, but the talent of the cast cannot be overstated. I am somewhat amazed by the obvious ignorance in some of the reviews below. I am sorry to report that the movie does little justice to what WEST SIDE STORY can do on stage. Please be open minded! I found it so exciting to see a talented cast that was at least close to the age of the characters!! The spanish took some getting used to, but it did heighten the tension between the two gangs. Please clear your mind of any productions you have seen in the past.

don't wast any money on this one.....

This is one of the all time worst shows that I have ever seen. We were up in the balcony. The surtitles were not visible. Two scenes completely in Spanish with no translation really ruined the show. Then to have one line blurted out in English just made no sense at all. The scenery is magnificent. The singing is good in spots. Anita's performance is really good. The other actors over acted almost every scene. On the whole, this production is not worth anything near the $100 ticket price. Save the cash and go see a decent High School production. The technical aspects will not be as good, but you are sure to see a production that you can understand, and I guarantee the acting will be better.

Terrible...

Cheesy, musty, and laughable are the three words that come to mind. Tony's understudy was completely out of his element, and it appears the subtitles have been shelved altogether. A real mess of a show, especially in comparison with the far superior 'Next to Normal.' Save yourself the $100 and the frustration. The sole highlights: Karen Olivo and Josefina Scaglione.

Bravo to a great Understudy!

I was also at the performamce of December 26,where Matt Cavanaugh sustained an injury after (as we were told by the sound guy) being hit by the prop ladder. Matthew Hydzik had to take the lead, and really rose to the oportunity. His voice was melodic yet strong, his chemistry with the "Maria" great. The actress playing Anita was fantastic- her singing, acting, and dancing a joy to watch. The choreography was impressive and seemed effortless. The spanish dialogue brought new life to a show so many can sing word for word in their heads. I could not see the subtitles, but my very limited Spanish (and my knowledge of the lyrics) carried me through. Bravo to the cast and crew- especially Matt H- for saving the night!

A Terrific Understudy!

I was at the show last night. The lead, Matt Cavanaugh, on entering the stage for his first scene, was injured. After a delay of something like 40 mins, the production continued with Matthew Hydzik, the understudy, taking on the role of Tony. He was great! Nice voice and real chemistry with his co-star, who was also wonderful. All in all, we thought it was a great performance. There is simply nothing that rivals the choreography of Jerome Robbins, and the dancers carried it off wonderfully. I thought the cast, especially Matt Hydzik, deserved the rousing ovation they got.

20 minutes on Broadway (if lucky)

Really good: 1)Anita. She can sing & act. Has stage presence & can almost dance. 2)Anita & Maria duet after Bernardo is killed by Tony. Good: 1)Some of the dancers + dancing. 2)Slumber party where Maria feels pretty. Fair: 1)Most of the evening. 2)Bernardo. No power or passion. What does Anita see in this milk toast fellow? Awful: 1)Tony. No stage presence, no chemistry, awkward acting & awful singing. Totally horrible in every way. 2)Chino. Looked 12 yrs old, not an actor. Looked ridiculous as he shot Tony -standing with a lip curled- which seemed to be his inept way of showing emotion. Audience restless thru-out & quick to leave after tepid applause. My advice-Don't bother going. Won't make it on Broadway. Subtitles? None seen.

There were surtitles?

If you sit under the balcony in the orchestra section, you don't see any surtitles. What a crock! For $90, I want the full price experience!!!! Tony was wimpy -- cute to look at but has a vibrato you can drive a truck through and no chemistry between he and Maria. Maria (***+) and Anita (****+++) were terrific! Excellent choreogracphy, but I did not completely understand the concept behind the "Somewhere" ballet with the full cast and the child actor; where did s/he come from? Also lost was the backstory about Chino; Krupke's involvement so minimal that the spoof was really lost. I had no idea that "America" was a sleepover number. Nice touch. Gotta agree with the sentiments that this was a glorified high school production.

Potential to Soar

The pre-B'way tryout needs some work but the casting is so strong it is bound to succeed. I agree that Tony is a bit nasal at times but has a beautiful falsetto. Maria's "I Feel Pretty", now in Spanish loses that all important moment when she realizes in the mirror that she actually is pretty, happy and in love. It's now been turned into a battle of who can sing louder. The dancing and Robbins choreography is magical and well performed. Would like to hear Maria sing "Somewhere" at the end. I left the theatre wanting to hear more music. Riff's "Cool" number is worth the price of admission. Anita is a standout.

Must be the only one...

... who really enjoyed the show. That said, I hope the cast and crew are watching these comments, and incorporate them to improve their performances before b'way. Be aware some of the complaints are in ignorance. Moving "Krupke" until after the rumble belongs to the movie and cannot appear in the staged version. Similarly "America" cannot be restaged to be with the guys, like the film.

Someone give Tony some testosterone!

This production needs work. Chief among the flaws is the casting of Matt Cavenaugh in the role of Tony. The part calls for someone who is tough, but sensitive. Mr. Cavenaugh certainly has the sensitive part of the equation nailed, but his delicate, nearly effeminate voice, gestures and mannerisms made me wonder how in the world Maria would be attracted to him. The actor needs to channel a little more Steve McQueen and a lot less Ethel Merman into the part. Karen Oliviio as Anita was sensational as was the adorable Josefina Scaglione, whose angelic voice was a treat. There were some exciting dance numbers, particularly the rousing "I Want to Live in America" but overall the production lacked a sense of pace. And Tony--toughen up!

We'd have liked to watch, not read.

Self-indulgence comes to mind. Tony singing as if in a vocal recital, distinct from the cast, singing oh so high and...thru his nose? And the subtitles during the cutest bedroom scene that we could not watch because we were reading...great idea. "America" was fabulous. Anita and her pal were terrific and amusing. Miscast and poorly produced. Good scenery. The fire alarm went off and it was not a drill. The acotors kept playing, and we sat, wondering what to do. Were the lights and alarm part of it? It coincided with the police arriving on stage after all. I have to hand it to the staff on an expedient evacuation and reseating. Less than thirty minutes, I think. Best part of the night.

Very disappointing

Matt Cavenaugh (Tony) and Cody Green (Riff) are awful. I literally cringed every time they opened their mouths. Karen Olivo (Anita) is stupendous...a joy to watch. Josefina Scaglione (Maria) is also good. I felt like I was watching a high school production because everyone looked to be about 14. The songs in Spanish are absurd and it was annoying to have to read English surtitles. Fantastic dancing. I'm surprised by the director's statements about wanting the production to have "emotion" because I felt none.

AWFUL

This was one of the worst productions of this great story I have ever seen. The actor playing Tony had little to no stage presence, no chemistry with the actress playing Maria (she was good) and his singing voice was devoid of passion and sounded girlish. The dancing was great, and the actress playing Anita was wonderful. The producer changed the order of the songs around, so that Gee Officer Krupke was sung right after Riff was killed…..didn’t make ANY sense that a song like that would be sung after your leader is killed. The spanish songs with the translations posted was very distracting and took alot away from the performance. I don’t think this play is anywhere ready for Broadway, and I know the people around me agree.

AWFUL

This was one of the worst productions of this great story I have ever seen. The actor playing Tony had little to no stage presence, no chemistry with the actress playing Maria (she was good) and his singing voice was devoid of passion and sounded girlish. The dancing was great, and the actress playing Anita was wonderful. The producer changed the order of the songs around, so that Gee Officer Krupke was sung right after Riff was killed…..didn’t make ANY sense that a song like that would be sung after your leader is killed. The spanish songs with the translations posted was very distracting and took alot away from the performance.

Mixed Bag

I almost gave this three stars, I mean it's hard not to enjoy a live production of West Side Story no matter how it's been presented. The biggest flaw for me was that Karen Olivo was so wonderful as Anita that Tony, Maria, and Riff couldn't help but seem like less powerful characters in comparison. Not sure if I'd call it a casting or performance issue, but Chino and Riff were both unexpectedly portrayes as week, emotion-lacking characters. Fun night, but I expect a bit more from a West Side Story performance.

Terrific!

I highly recommend this show, which is a genuine breakthrough. The dancing alone is in a class by itself, and the Spanish made me see the characters in a whole new way. Some in the audience weren't ready for how dark this show is... probably anesthetized over the years by the (awful) movie and cheery summer stock productions. This production is just fabulous. Well done!

It Ain't Pretty

The "authentication" through Spanish dialogue/lyris is a gimmick that at times does serious damage; notably the quintet where the powerful juxtaposition of Sharks and Jets usually singing in unison gets diluted by the two sets of lyrics. There's also some questionable casting: Cavanaugh turns Tony into a caricature, delivering some lines a la Graucho Marx and ruining songs by reverberating highs in his nasal cavity. Green, a finesse dancer, inexplicably delivers a brooding Riff absent any passion. Scaglion sings angelically, making it hard to accept her unusually sexually aggresive Maria. Triple threat Olivo is a dynamo as Anita. Ironically, she towers both literally over the diminutive cast and figuratively over the failed production.

Disappointing

I had high hopes for this revival, but the production fell flat. The actor playing Tony lacks the voice for the role, a problem made emphatic by the beautiful, operatic voice of the actress playing Maria; the duets are postively painful. The translation of all the Puerto Rican characters' dialogue and musical numbers into Spanish also does not work -- and the translations are badly inaccurate/misleading. You don't translate Aida into Arabic -- why change the Sondheim/Bernstein lyrics into Spanish when an accurate transation does not fit the music? I saw a much superior production last summer at Seattle's Fifth Avenue Theater. I can't wait to see what Ben Brantley will have to say about this. . .it won't be pretty!

Disappointing

I had high hopes for this revival, but the production fell flat. The actor playing Tony lacks the voice for the role, a problem made emphatic by the beautiful, operatic voice of the actress playing Maria; the duets are postively painful. The translation of all the Puerto Rican characters' dialogue and musical numbers into Spanish also does not work -- and the translations are badly inaccurate/misleading. You don't translate Aida into Arabic -- why change the Sondheim/Bernstein lyrics into Spanish when an accurate transation does not fit the music? I saw a much superior production last summer at Seattle's Fifth Avenue Theater. I can't wait to see what Ben Brantley will have to say about this. . .it won't be pretty!

Needs work

I saw this prod. on 12/18. I very much liked that the PR's spoke and sang in Spanish. There was inconsistency amongst themselves: what was the author/director trying to say when they spoke English (other than when they spoke English to English speakers). Real surtitles, rather than small monitors would be preferable. Unfortunately, I thought Tony was very weak - he was very nasal and inconsistent. Riff didn't project the confidence I'd like to see. The women (Anita and Maria) were very good - clear and strong voices. Set pieces flying in/out were just distracting. The sound quality in the mezz. was also a problem - inexplicable hot spots and generally over-mic'd.

Distracting

I found the "subtitles" so distracting. So many of us know the lyrics by heart, but there were quite a few songs where lyrics were changed compelling me to attempt to read the marquis on the sides of the stage, which was particularly frustrating during the "I have a Love" duet between Maria and Anita. I kept looking right and left trying to figure out who was singing what, but frankly I am just not that talented to be able to read both marquis and enjoy the singing and acting going on on stage. I had to choose. Plus, I was disappointed the boys didn't join in my favorite number, "America". I completely didn't get the child in the "Place for Us" number. Otherwise, a good performance. I loved Karen Olivo as Anita!

Dump the Spanish Songs

Before anyone gets upset with me, I want to make clear that I am a native spanish speaker and had no trouble with the dialogue in scenes or the "new created spanish lyrics" for the songs, BUT, this is West Side Story, the original lyrics by Stephen Sondheim should not be didled with. I really don't feel that having any of the songs sung in spanish (and providing subtitles which really did not correspond in any way to the new lyrics but where the original lyrics, and we all know those by heart)adds anything at all to the show. I hope that by the time they take it to NY they will have switched back to the original lyrics which will make the whole enterprise far more satisfying. That said and out of the way, I thought the show was excellent!