I am a huge musical fan, so I was very eager to discover the new production of West Side Story currently running at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
The original play, born on Broadway in 1957 and adapted for cinema in 1961 with Natalie Wood and Robert Wise, is a classic of the genre and, for many, the ultimate musical.
This modern-day Romeo and Juliet story, featuring an impossible love affair between two young people from rival gangs in 1950s New York, is, all things considered, quite timeless.
However, without being able to compare this production to others, since this is the first one I’ve seen, I can assure you that I spent a pure moment of happiness and emotion. It has been a long time since I have been so enthusiastic about a show. I walked out with stars and dreams in my eyes, my heart electrified by the show’s energy.
The play is presented in respect of the original, and the 36 actors (dancers and singers) on stage carry us through breathtaking choreography and songs that give us chills from start to finish. Obviously, we all know America, Tonight, Maria, I feel pretty… and it is a real joy to hear them live accompanied by a symphonic orchestra.
The play is performed and sung in its original language, English, but screens allow non-English speakers to understand the entirety of the lyrics anyway.
At just 55 years old, West Side Story hasn’t aged a bit; it is a show of astonishing modernity and a boundless, infectious vitality that you absolutely must go see at the Châtelet if you love musicals.
The only slight hiccup is the price, of course, which isn’t affordable for every budget, but hey, Christmas is just over a month away and the show ends on January 1, 2013, so if you are short on gift ideas…
Great deals: while tickets last, fifteen minutes before the start of the performance, a special rate (between €10 and €20) is granted upon presentation of valid ID to job seekers, those under 28, and seniors (65 and over).
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