Drury Lane revives well-done 'West Side Story'

“West Side Story” is about as close to perfect as a musical gets.

Inspired by Shakespeare's “Romeo and Juliet,” with a masterwork score by Leonard Bernstein, the groundbreaking show about prejudice and acceptance resonates as profoundly today as it did when it opened 57 years ago.

Reviving it is a huge undertaking, for which Oakbrook Terrace's Drury Lane Theatre — with its dynamic duo of director Rachel Rockwell and music director Roberta Duchak — is especially well-equipped.

Not counting 2009's Broadway tour, and a brief, non-equity run in 2013, it's been a long time since a hometown theater staged this classic about star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria, caught up in the war between rival gangs who, like this couple, have nowhere they truly belong.

The response to Drury Lane's revival — the fastest-selling in the theater's 30-year history — suggests how eager audiences are to see the show.

Count me among them. I had great expectations, which, on several occasions, Drury Lane exceeded.

Case in point, Michelle Aravena's commanding turn as Anita. Praised for her performance of the role during 2009's national tour, this triple-threat powerhouse exudes confidence, playing the girlfriend of Sharks gang leader Bernardo as if it were tailor-made for her. You can't take your eyes off her. That's especially true in the exhilarating “America,” a showstopper that also features the delightful, spunky Lillian Castillo.

With her tangle of dark curls and ballet flats, Christina Nieves — who possesses a gorgeous, soaring soprano — looks every bit the impatient teenager Maria, Bernardo's sister. But Nieves conveys a clarity and wisdom her contemporaries lack.

The gloriously operatic “A Boy Like That/I Have a Love,” Nieves' duet with Aravena, suggests young women burnished by tragedy that has made them wise beyond their years. It ranks among the production's most moving moments, alongside the devastating final scene, a keen reflection of Rockwell's insightful direction.

Without giving anything away, the final scene involves Tommy Rivera-Vega, a revelation as Maria's timid, would-be suitor Chino.

Earlier, Chino tries to placate Lucas Segovia's Bernardo, who becomes enraged when he finds Maria dancing with Tony (Jim DeSelm, whose lovely upper register compensated for some first-act hesitancy). Then, the final scene shows in heartbreaking detail how a seemingly reasonable young man transforms into a vengeful killer.

The terrific Rivera-Vega sets the bar for the Chinos who come after him.

Also deserving mention are Emma Rosenthal as the wannabe tomboy Anybodys; Adrian Aguilar as the exposed nerve that is Action, the Jets' second in command; Roger Mueller's Doc, the heartbroken conscience of his beleaguered community; and Bret Tuomi's unabashedly racist Lt. Schrank, who inflicts more harm than good.

Choreographer Rhett Guter (who also plays Riff, the Jets' leader) faithfully reproduces original director/choreographer Jerome Robbins' iconic choreography, that still-dazzling balletic-athletic hybrid. Designer Scott Davis' gritty, urban set — with its towering, ubiquitous chain link fence suggesting the social and economic cage in which these young men are trapped — is a perfect backdrop for the unfolding tragedy.

Duchak's music direction and Ben Johnson's conducting are first rate, although I couldn't help wishing for a larger orchestra to flesh out more fully Bernstein's remarkable score. It's a one-of-a-kind, 19th and 20th century music primer that seamlessly incorporates modern classical, jazz, Latin, Broadway-style ballads, hymns and novelty tunes.

While skilled at staging grand numbers, Rockwell's best moments in this production are the most intimate, including a poignant confrontation scene in Maria's bedroom, where she and Tony make love for the first and only time.

Yet, I admit I wasn't entirely bowled over by Drury Lane's “West Side Story.” The staging of the anthemic “Tonight” felt static, some of the performers were miscast and some of the acting choices puzzling.

That said, there is much to recommend the show, not the least of which is the chance to experience once again this American classic.

“West Side Story”

★ ★ ★ ½

<b>Location: </b>Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, (630) 530-0111 or <a href="http://drurylaneoakbrook.com">drurylaneoakbrook.com</a>

<b>Showtimes:</b> 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, 1:30 and 8 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, through March 29

<b>Running time:</b> About two hours, 30 minutes, with intermission

<b>Tickets:</b> $44-$60; senior and student discounts available

<b>Parking: </b>Free adjacent lot and pay valet service

<b>Rating: </b>For teens and older