West Side Story, An Impressive Production by CTORA Theatre - MAY 8-24, 2025 - Granville Island Stage

I thought the original film production of West Side Story was outstanding and didn't think other versions would be able to compete. But live theatre brings its own interpretation and, I think this story continues today. I am, once again, captivated by the music, the songs, the choreography and the dances, the characters and the drama of it all! But in live theatre, there can be silence, a pause for reflection and a few seconds to consider what will happen next. And that whistle that breaks the silence, ...who is being called and who is calling? Same for the snapping of the fingers, "we're cool" "we're dancing", "come here", "join up or join in" or "something's coming". There was also the silence of sneakers and soft shoes, for grace as well as stealth. The power comes from skillful dancers, light on their feet, moving quickly, purposefully, and efficiently. And then there is more silence as characters take stock of each other, lots of thinking before they break into song and dance. 

CTORA Productions has done an excellent job of bringing in the best for all 6 teams: Creative Team, Designers (Set,Costumes, Lighting and Sound), Musicians, Stage Management, Production, and Marketing Team. The marketing for West Side Story is excellent and begins with the CTORA website, which has such fantastic photos and videography by Canna Zhou (Instagram), who has been with the company since 2017. 

The West Side Story Production Brochure, is a beauty, too. Red, with the shadows of Maria and Tony, reaching up to their story title, it contains the profiles and photos of the entire team! You know them even before you see the show. I really like the preface: From Director, Chris Adams, and his comments about the heart of the show: "At the heart of this piece is a rare alchemy: Leonard Bernstein's sweeping, complex score, Stephen Sondheim's sharp and emotionally rich lyrics and Jerome Robbins' iconic choreography." Music Director, Kevin Woo and an orchestra of 14, managed to play from a separate room and used monitors to see the stage. I knew about the orchestra and its location because Canna gave me a quick tour before the show. Seeing the musicians at work, is another wonderful benefit of attending live theatre. All of the musical numbers are listed and were performed so well. 

Favourites were: "Something's Coming" and "Maria" by Sayer Roberts (Tony) "I Feel Pretty" Cassandra Consiglio (Maria and Shark Girls) and "Somewhere" by Holly Collis Handford, (Anybodys, Tony, Maria and Company).  It takes an entire Creative Team of dance and movement experts to make the action real, safe and in sync with the music. WOWS to Chris Adams, Director, Suzanne Ouellette, Choreographer, Kevin Woo, Music Director, Julie Murphy, Intimacy Director, Violence Design, Mike Kovac Fight Director, Celene Harder, Assistant FD, Jennifer Lynch Assistant Choreographer/Dance Captain and Monica Sumulong Dumas, Assistant Music Director. Kudos, too to Brian Ball, Set and Costume Design for not only dressing up the set as an iconic backdrop but also for envisioning clothing that moves with the dancers and reflects past and present trends. A nod to Andy Sandberg for a preshow chat about her lengthy Stage Management experience and her love for West Side Story. I saluted the Set Design and Building and Lighting in my instagram reel of my West Side Story Evening. A big thank you and bows to all! Dear Canna, I send roses for sharing your perfect photos! It is so rare that I attend events for pure enjoyment minus the dreaded photo editing. There is a place for us in this visionary, creative community! Go TEAM!!!

Photos by Canna Zhou