Beari Presents ‘WEST SIDE STORY’

The compelling modern musical “West Side Story,” loosely based on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” is a timeless tale of love and anger. Teenagers’ forbidden emotions and their inevitable consequences unfold in music and dance on urban streets.
Beari Productions’ interpretation is true to the original stage version, rather than the more widely seen movie. Director Debbie Bendana and producer Rene Bendana have gathered a varied cast of performers to bring this mega classic to the Trinity Lutheran Church at 63-70 Dry Harbor Road in Middle Village, Queens.
Newly arrived from Puerto Rico, Maria (Nili Resnick) is fragile and nave. She believes her good intentions can undo the hatred between rival gangs. Her star-crossed lover Tony (David Arzberger) is equally optimistic. However, fate has other plans. They sing and dance in harmony but their happiness is short lived.
Officer Krupke (Rene Bendana) and Lt. Shrank (Tom Albano) unite the slum’s denizens as mutual objects of resentment. Outspoken Anita (Samantha Sheehan) is forceful and convincing as she interacts with her friends and enemies. Gang leaders Riff (Geoffrey D. Hill) and Bernardo (Mario Robles) prove to be mirror images of each other. Both are quick witted and angry but fiercely loyal to their own inner circles.
The gang members are also ragged reflections of each other. The Jets (Erik Neilssen, Ephram Sachs, Anthony Faubion, Robert Ariza, and Theresa Doocey) are impoverished second-generation immigrants. An accident of fate has placed them on their turf and they are determined to defend it. The Sharks (Joseph Gualtiere, Danny Maldonado, Billy Cove, and Luis Diaz) are also penniless immigrants. They have arrived in the land of opportunity only to realize that the Jets have come first and are not anxious to welcome newcomers.
The gang’s girlfriends share similarities as well. They are loyal to their own and enjoy the same swagger. In fact, choreographer Sylvia Walsh and dancer Gwinne Porter change costumes to portray both Jets’ and Sharks’ allies. Other dancers include Laura Maravilla, Ashling Barrett, and Jessamy Murray. In the haunting dream sequence, Monica Barczak is outstanding in her solo; “Somewhere…there’s a place for us.” As the dream Maria, Geraldine Rojas is also a standout. Anguished Doc (Nick Becce) and Cas Marino deserve special note as well.
Kudos are due to Musical Director Alan Kingsley with Brandon Silaco and Steve Morisi for navigating such a complicated musical presentation. Backstage, a quick thank you to Amanda Doria, Ian McDonald, Malini Singh McDonald, Jimmy O’Neill, Mary Lynch and Ron Caveglia.
There are only six shows remaining. Call (718) 736-1263 for tickets.
The Queens Spring theatre season is beginning to blossom. As always, save me a seat on the aisle!