The West Side High School does

Video and Review by Gary Olsen
Audio by Brandon Noel (Roosevelt Middle School)

The Producers: Kate Riepe (Stage Director), Terry Slade (Vocal Music) and Doug Mackie (Choreography)

I filmed this Backstage Pass episode a week before the first curtain, and as usual Hempstead's production does not fail to impress. The show is authentic in terms of staging, set design and construction, costumes, age appropriate actors, but most importantly, the soaring vocals of the principal performers project an enthusiasm and vitality that captures the period precisely. I always knew we had talent in this district by virtue of its size and diversity, but so much talent! It's amazing.

West Side Story is Shakespeare's timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet only set in the 1950s with disaffected youth of that period as its cast of characters. The original musical was conceived by the great choreographer Jerome Robbins and the music composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. It was a collaboration for the ages.

I recall vividly news of its premier on Broadway. It was positively a sensation because of its controversial topic, ethnic conflict. It was a story ripped from the headlines that told of a new generation of immigrants (Puerto Ricans) battling for turf on the mean streets of New York, the domain of largely white youth. As I view West Side Story today, I realize how little has changed. It's just the nationalities that have changed.

I purchased the album (vinyl in those days of course) and I wore the grooves down from repeated playing. I saw the movie twice and countless times since, most recently on my HD television. Not only did I have the Broadway album but I bought the movie soundtrack even though Natalie Wood didn't do her own singing. I just adored this work which I came to realize was largely a ballet, for heaven's sake, in which the dancers actually sang. The show resonated with me even though it resembled little of my suburban upbringing.

Allow me to comment on the Hempstead stage orchestra under the direction of Greg Dowe. Yes the orchestra is tucked way up in in the loft stage left, but thanks to the technical stagecraft and the impressive sound system of Roosevelt Middle School's Audiorium, it's like they are performing out in the audience. Also the virtuosity of the musicians rises to the material. I'm sure Leonard is looking down from Heaven approvingly.

The choreography was a challenge to be sure with such a large cast, but the ample room on stage is more than accommodating. And since the Roosevelt Auditorium is one of the largest and best in the city, everyone will have an excellent view of the stage and not miss a moment of this extraordinary production.

As I was shooting the promo video on stage for Channel 19, I took a close look at the sets. They are magnificent in every detail. The lighting has been trained on the set to create high contrast situations since much of West Side Story's action takes place at night. The set sometimes looks like it's illuminated by street lights. During one number in which Maria is standing on a fire escape, the light casts shadows through the wrought iron on her face and the wall behind her creating shadows that portend the tragedy that is to befall Maria and her ill-fated love.

Once again, attention to details is what Hempstead has become known for in productions that typically are a year in the making... at least the entire school year. Congratulations to Kate Riepe (Director), Terry Slade (Vocal Music), Greg Dowe (Orchestra) and Doug Mackie (Choreography).

Gary Olsen Gary is a media producer for Dubuque Schools, and he's a set designer and consultant for countless local stage productions. You can email Gary at golsen@dubuque.k12.ia.us