48 years after seeing the legendary LCC outdoor performance of West Side Story with her then 9-year-old sister, Lori, the determinedly inspired Linda Granger masterminded her own Starlight Theatre outdoor production of this classic show — beautifully choreographed by that baby sister, Lori Arendson.
Assistant Choreographer Elizabeth Roderick helped Lori choreograph this large cast, both rallying untrained dancers and showing off some excellent featured dancers. The dancing and the balletic but violent fight choreography (Brett Allen Eckhart) were impressive.
Jeff English was music director helping the cast mesh with a pre-recorded orchestral soundtrack. The lead singers voices were particularly good. Alex Cousins as Tony and Kayal Muthuraman as Maria were sweet as the star-crossed lovers. Jet leader Dale Wayne Williams lent a bully quality to Riff, threatened by Shark Bernardo, JJ Sanchez, and his gang. Edward Heldt was particularly convincing as “Action” exuding a consistent, tense, hyperactivity throughout. Tianna Leon was a fiery Anita, unwittingly augmented by Lugnuts fireworks sounds during her explosive “A Boy Like That” number. Thankfully the fireworks subsided for Maria’s lyrical “I Have a Love.”
The fireworks were only one of a myriad of outdoor challenges to overcome reinventing a “stage” in this setting. The backdrop of the fire-escaped building with balconies was wonderful, and the two rotating platforms painted with Jets and Sharks graffiti (artists Devin Wieferich and Julian Van Dyke) turned around to reveal Doc’s drug store, the dress shop and Maria’s room. (Set design Susan DeRosa, Linda Granger, Bob Gehrls with inspiration from Tom Ferris.) Actors are miked, with a few minor sound glitches. Lighting is a compromise between light stands, spotlight and the natural setting sun. Considering the large area, lighting was handled well (and extra props to Producer Susan DeRosa who climbed up something she probably shouldn’t have to adjust a light angle. She gets the mountain-goat award.)
It was a thrill to see this classic brought back outdoors — and also encouraging to see close to 300 patrons flocking in with their lawn chairs, braving this new venue and loving it. It is a large area, and there’s room for even more patrons, but no risers, so come early if you want a front row seat or maybe bring a booster seat?. Non-doors open at 7:30, (show starts at 8:30) and there was a lineup at that time, when we arrived. The location is on Grand Avenue between Kalamazoo and Washtenaw. There is street parking, free after 6 downtown, and various “permit only” parking lots that are empty after workers go home, so…? Feel free to bring food. There are porta potties on site and free bottles of water.
Kudos to Linda Granger and this dedicated cast and crew for overcoming many challenges to bring this street-gang show back to the street.
Tickets are available at the door/gate but prepaid reservations put you in the faster line.
RESERVATIONS: (517) 599-2779
http://starlightdinnertheatre.com