One of the ultimate love stories to grace the stage will be at the Indianapolis Civic Theatre, 3200 Cold Spring Rd., on the campus of Marian College March 13 through 29.
“West Side Story” tells the story of American Tony and Puerto Rican Maria. The lovers are caught in between fighting New York Street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks represented by their respective cultures. Being forced to choose between allegiance to one’s heritage and love, Maria and Tony find themselves in a complicated and delayed romance.
“There is comic relief, but it’s about love. But at the end of the day, they can’t get out of others’ expectations of them,” said Robert Sorbera, director of “West Side Story.”
Film and theater veterans will know the classic tale yet newcomers should understand the background of the tale. “West Side Story” takes Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and transfers it to modern day New York City. Set in the mid 1950’s, the play is cradled by song and dance, yet raises consciousness about relevant and current social issues.
The importance of preserving one’s culture, adolescents maturing into adults, changes in family structure, peer pressure, gang culture, the attempt by adults coping with juvenile delinquency and conflict with authority figures are just a few of the themes raised in “West Side Story.”
One theme that is primary in the play is racism. Once Marvis Herring, senior at Avon High School, discovered he had a dancing role in the Civic theatre’s version of “West Side Story,” he began researching the gang activity that materialized in the play and real life racism that took place during the inception of the original production. He related those themes to today and how different races today continue to be at odds with one another.
“In seeing the play, I hope people will see how silly little differences are or (don’t) make a big deal out of the little differences within people. By the last scene, if you still haven’t changed your negative thinking about other races, then you weren’t paying attention,” said Herring. “This play shows we can all get along.”
With the racism that the rival Jets and Sharks have for one another, interracial dating further heightens that racism. Angela Nichols-Manlove who plays the lead female character, Maria, not only is an African-American portraying a Puerto Rican, but can also relate to her character loving someone outside of her race.
She says this play reflects her life and she is also amazed at how history is reflected in West Side Story.
“This resonates with me especially since it’s been about 30 or more years since miscegenation laws were in effect. What Maria and Tony were doing was illegal. It’s interesting on a political level and something personal to me,” said Nichols-Manlove.
Although “West Side Story” first graced theatres more than 50 years ago, all are encouraged to see the play at the Indianapolis Civic Theatre.
There is a connection between entertainment and social issues that makes “West Side Story” fun and relevant. Viewers can get lost in the love story and understand the big picture. During times of rising racial issues and the increase in family activities, all are encouraged to come to the campus of Marian College to enjoy or rediscover “West Side Story.”
“The music is absolutely incredible and the dancing is quite a spectacle as well,” said Nichols-Manlove. “We spent a really long time working hard on this show and I think it really shows.”
