‘West Side Story’ examines ethnic themes at SCERA
Photography by Mark A. Philbrick
Love. Murder. Death. Rivalry. All of these set to great music and amazing dance are combined in one famous story from the west side.
Starting Friday, the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre will begin showing its production of the timeless classic musical "West Side Story." The show opens Friday and will run through July 20. It is part of the SCERA's 25th Anniversary Season.
"It is the same story, but it's got a couple of variations that might be noticeable," said Eric Sparks, who plays the lead role of Tony. "I like it because it's more true to life than a lot of other plays because it's a play about the streets, kind of. Even though its set in '50s, it's more relatable and believable."
The play tells a modern day (well, modern day like 50 years ago) "Romeo and Juliet" story that takes place in New York City. Tony, the leader of an Anglo gang, falls in love with Maria, who is the sister of the rival Puerto Rican gang's leader. Hate, violence and prejudice are all addressed as the characters struggle through their problems.
"Maria was one of my dream roles growing up," said Jessica Kennedy, who plays Maria. "I always wanted to play Maria. What I love about playing her now is to see how strong she is. ... She is such a hopeful character. She survives and carries on hope for the future."
Since "West Side Story" is such a well-known show, this adds a little bit of pressure for the cast.
The most challenging thing about working on the show, Kennedy said, is "just trying to live up to expectations people have because 'West Side Story' is such a classic. [Even] people who aren't very involved in musical theater recognize the name."
Unlike Kennedy, who has been doing musical theater since junior high, "West Side Story" will be Sparks's first show. He said the hardest thing about the show "right now is the music and lines. The most challenging thing is trying to get it all in my brain while staying in character."
Besides great music and dance, "West Side Story" also has a deeper meaning behind it that audience members can take home with them.
"I grew up in Southern California in a Hispanic town and was aware of cultural and ethnical prejudice around me," said director Agnes Broberg in a news release. "I think the show ultimately gives us a feeling of hope that different groups can come together and diversity can work. 'West Side Story' applies to more than New York. It's important in our Utah culture. It's about any town that has different cultures that clash. We still hope people will be evaluated for who, not what, they are."
If you go:
West Side Story
Where: SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, 699 S. State St., Orem
When: Opens Friday, continues on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through July 20 at 8 p.m. There will be no show this Saturday due to the holiday.
Tickets: $8-$14
Info: www.scera.org
SCERA "West Side Story"
For more than a half a century, the world's greatest love story juxtaposed with the timeless tale of two rival gangs on New York's west side -- and the tragedy that results from ethnic intolerance -- has engaged audiences with its sophisticated music, complex dance scenes and powerful message.
The SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre is presenting the dramatic musical classic "West Side Story" under the stars as part of its summer long 25th Anniversary celebration. Performances begin July 3, at 8 p.m. and continue Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through July 20. There is no show on July 4.
The Shell is located at 699 S. State in the middle of Orem's SCERA Park.
General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children (age 3-11), students (w/ID) and seniors (age 65+) and patrons should bring a blanket or rent a chair at the venue for $1.00. Reserved seating areas include a free chair and range from $12-14 for adults and $10-$12 for children, students and seniors.
Tickets are available from 10am-6pm weekdays and Saturdays from 12Noon-6pm at the main office of the SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 South State, Orem, by calling (801) 225-ARTS, online at www.scera.org or at the Shell gate one hour prior to the show.
"For our 25th season, 'West Side Story' seemed a logical choice," says Adam J. Robertson, SCERA's President and CEO. "It's an ageless story with roots in Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet,' and remains as heart-wrenching and thought-provoking as it did when it premiered to standing room only audiences on Broadway."
"This is my absolutely favorite show, and I'm thrilled to direct it," says Agnes Broberg. "Among other places, I have done it at Utah Valley University and Timpanogos High School and my first involvement goes back to my sophomore year in high school. "
One element that continues to intrigue Broberg is the message. "I grew up in Southern California in a Hispanic town and was aware of cultural and ethnical prejudice around me," she says. "I think the show ultimately gives us a feeling of hope that different groups can come together and diversity can work. 'West Side Story' applies to more than New York. It's important in our Utah culture. It's about any town that has different cultures that clash. We still hope people will be evaluated for who, not what, they are. Over the years as I have taught, I have come to realize there are no bad kids, just kids who have been manipulated and molded by the society around them. Society says you're not supposed to like a person because he or she is different. It's like the song in 'South Pacific' that tells us we have to be taught to hate."
Broberg cast BYU Music/Dance/Theatre student Jessica Kennedy as Maria. "She has won opera competitions in Oregon and has a brilliant voice." She selected Eric Sparks as Tony. "He was one of those kids who just walked in to auditions and I took one look and said, 'I love his look . . . I just hope he can sing.' Well, he can. He is strong and forceful and looks like he could have started a gang. Plus, both can really dance."
Other leads include leading role veteran Ami Abram as Anita and Michael Kim as Bernardo.
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