West Side Story
Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story comes with the reputation of being one of the most demanding musicals in the repertoire. Just the band score itself is notoriously difficult to negotiate. But these young performers took to their challenge effortlessly, and provided a truly professional evening of theatre.
This 1950s re-make of Romeo and Juliet concerns two rival gangs in New York , the Jets and the Sharks. When a girl falls helplessly in love with a boy from the opposing tribe, tragedy is bound to ensue.
Emma Butler, new to King's in the sixth form this term, was a wonderful Maria, with the most outstanding singing voice for this demanding role. She was effervescent and tender in turns, and displayed a moving vulnerability.
She was partnered by Nick de Figueiredo as Tony, the peacemaker of his gang. Calm, reasoned yet passionate, he was at the heart of the moral struggle, and this came over strongly in a sensitively acted performance.
Alex Penn was an outstanding Riff, utterly convincing in characterisation and in voice - his Cool was a tour de force. Jessamy Keily as Anita, Maria's sister, was a particularly powerful presence on stage with a strong singing voice. She controlled the denouement beautifully. James Walker turned in the assured performance we have come to expect from him as Bernardo, Rachel Hall's Rosalia was a beautifully judged portrayal, and Mark Burnett was an impulsive and hyperactive Action, never still for a moment, and with an outstanding performance of Gee, Officer Krupke.
But the real stars of this show were the chorus, the Jets and the Sharks. Their ensemble scenes were simply breathtaking, with spectacular choreography by new member of staff Ellie Barrs. The stage simply sizzled with energy.
All credit then to director Anne Sheehan, director of music Colin Albery who led the most phenomenal band, and his assistant director of music Karen Fergusson, the vocal coach. A spectacular evening of theatre.