Talented children will take centre stage tonight at the British School of Bahrain (BSB) in Hamala to perform West Side Story, one of the most challenging Broadway musical productions.
BSB’s Academy of Performing Arts and Music and Stage for Kids (MASK) children’s theatrical production have transformed a sports hall into an interactive arena to present an award-winning adaptation of the classic Shakespearean romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.
The American musical is inspired by Arthur Laurents’ book, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and conception and choreography by Jerome Robbins.
The production explores the rivalry between the Jets and Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. The members of the Sharks from Puerto Rico are taunted by the Jets, a Polish-American working-class group.
The young protagonist, Tony, one of the Jets, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theatre when it first opened on Broadway in 1957.
The play spawned an innovative 1961 musical film of the same name, directed by Robert Wise and Robbins, starring Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn. The film won 10 Academy Awards out of 11 nominations, including Best Picture.
Director Danny Furness, 33, who is head of music at BSB, said: “West Side Story is considered a rite of passage for MASK performers as I feel it is the most sophisticated musical of dance and drama.
“I hope the audience will feel emotions that most musical theatre doesn’t dare evoke, experience fusions of Latino and jazz and witness a visual experience beyond any other youth theatre.”
This will be MASK’s sixth event and most ambitious production to date, featuring more than 12 different nationalities represented in the cast along with representatives from many of Bahrain’s schools playing both leading and supporting roles including BSB, Bahrain Bayan School, French School, Sacred Heart School and St Christopher’s School.
In the past seven months a team of 60, from ages 12 and above, have been working hard to put together the challenging theatrical assembly filled with harmonious vocals, intricate dance sequences and intense dramatic scenes.
The cast is performing in a very intimate arena to an audience capacity of 400 and has been drilled for 15 weeks with two rehearsals at least three-times a week.
This has included a large proportion of dance work with choreographer Louise Chapman from Ballare Studio of Performing Arts. The production features many first-time dancers and some soloists were recruited from the studio.
Mr Furness added: “The months of work that have gone into this musical are clear. We have done the impossible; worked with a wide range of kids from different schools, abilities and ages. We have built a set, a stage as well as the sound and light out of the BSB sports hall.
“You will see the story of Tony and Maria as it plays out through a parallel traverse stage. I would argue that this is perhaps the most original staging to experience and gives every audience member a unique view; a 360-degree live filmic angle experience.
“We wanted to create a special staging where the kids will get a unique experience performing and the audience will hopefully be moved by a different set and actually feel as though they are a part of it.
“The audience will have to ask themselves which side of the tragedy they are on? Are you Jets or Sharks?
“We even have different tickets being sold, one as Jets and one as Sharks, because when the audience arrives they will get to choose sides of where they will sit.”
The story is set in the Upper West Side in New York City in an ethnic, blue-collar neighbourhood in the mid-1950s. This was clearly depicted in the school’s adaptation from the 50s-inspired costumes and props to the famous fire-escape scene. Contractors were hired to build the fire escape where Tony meets Maria after the dance and they profess their love to one another.
Sowsan Hasan, 24, the production secretary and visual artist, said: “Ever since we decided we were going to present this musical we have been working on trying to get the set and feel of Broadway as close to perfect as possible.
“It’s all about talking with the directors to get their vision, the choreographer to know how the costumes need to function and about getting something that the kids would love or be proud to put on.
“It took us a long time to get it just right. We went through the movie, some clips from Broadway and then a lot of images and catalogues of things in the 50s but giving the silhouettes our own touch.
“The biggest challenge with costumes is the changes because many of our performers, as in a real Broadway show, play more than one part. The trick was to find costumes that can be moved on and off very quickly and we did some research on how they did it in Broadway as well.
“One of the best things for me about doing this kind of show with regards to hair, costumes and make-up is that the teens taking part have a lot of hidden talents. Some of the girls have lovely intricate braids in their hair created by cast members. Some can even do fantastic make-up while others can produce great lighting effects.”
Originally, the team was meant to perform the production entitled Break Free, inspired by the West End and Broadway hit musical We Will Rock You.
Mr Furness explained: “We wanted to be the first to put it on but unfortunately the rights hadn’t been released for the Middle East. As soon as we realised that was the case, we went to our next choice which was West Side Story. In fact, we were planning to do it eventually as it’s a much harder and much more sophisticated musical to produce.”
Dance and acting aside, the music is, of course, the most important aspect of this show. Lydia Martin, 38, MASK chairman and musical director, has worked closely with the cast to develop their vocal skills and help them preserve their voices.
She said: “In one scene in particular the cast has to sing in a five-part harmony. They were at different levels when they first started. The leads playing Tony and Maria are well-seasoned performers and have starred in previous shows but a lot of the others playing minor principle roles are first-timers.
“For some of them when they auditioned it was the first time they had ever sung. There was one boy in particular. When he auditioned we thought he was brilliant but he’d only ever sung in the shower.
“Also for some, although they may have good voices, to hold their part and sing in tune when other people are singing is very challenging.
“There are many outstanding moments from our soloists and unbelievable vocal harmonies. This ensemble cast represents the best of Bahrain in my opinion and is also a massive leap for MASK into a mature piece of theatre.”
Gersham Vacarizas, 17, a BSB student who lives in Seef, will be playing Tony. He played Simba in the Circle of Life production and this will be his last performance before leaving the island for university studies. He said: “I absolutely love this, it’s such an amazing experience. West Side Story is one of my all-time favourites.”
His love interest Maria, played by St Christopher’s School student Gabriella Liandu, 15, from Juffair, has also been singing around the house to prepare for opening night. Maria will also be played by fellow pupil Scarlet Robinson, 14.
Gabriella said: “I love the fact that you can kind of relate to Maria as she shows you her story throughout.
“Even though you have to put in long hours it’s totally worth it. I think my family will be surprised because this is a lot bigger than any of the other shows I’ve ever done.
“It has a lot more dancing, way more acting and the singing is challenging too. In terms of what to expect … be prepared for strong emotions.”
The cast would like to thank Gold sponsors Alosra Supermarket for its continued support, as well as to Bronze sponsors House of Uniform and product sponsors, Room 2 Rock, Aqua Cool and Union Stationery.
Tonight’s show and tomorrow’s will start at 7pm. There will also be two shows on Friday at 2pm and 7pm.
The last show will be held on Saturday at 5pm. Tickets are priced at BD6 and BD8 and are available at all Alosra supermarket outlets and at the school.
For more details contact 176010943.
