Marmion, Rosary drama students immerse themselves in 'West Side Story'
We know that cadets can march, but can they mambo?
The Cadets of Marmion will be leading the ladies of Rosary to the dance floor in their spring production of "West Side Story," the popular musical remake of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."
Marmion band director Steve Thurlow has taken the challenging musical score of Leonard Bernstein and put it in the hands of talented musicians who bring the music to life. The screams of the trumpet set the stage for the conflict between the Sharks and the Jets, two rival gangs in New York.
The musical is currently enjoying a very successful revival on Broadway. Brought to the stage by the show's original creator, 91-year-old Arthur Laurents, the new musical features more of the show's lyrics in Spanish. The students were aware of the changes in the new production.
"I think it is really interesting," said Brian Hoss, a junior from Sugar Grove. "It's amazing that Mr. Laurents is in his 90s and still trying to make the show better."
Moss is excited to be involved in the production of "West Side Story." It is his first leading role. He is working opposite Erin Kofron of Batavia, a veteran actor with community and professional experience.
Playing along side them in the part of Riff is Chris Antolak of St. Charles, He is having fun working on the musical and finds the dancing the most difficult part.
"The dancing is challenging," he said. "But I was surprised at how much I knew already. Must have been those Marmion sock hops."
Antolak feels that the students at both Rosary and Marmion are excited about the production going on stage this weekend.
"There is a lot of talk among the students," he added. "We had a city day where the cadets could choose the Jets or the Sharks and we put up some graffiti types of posters. I think there is more excitement for this musical than for those in the past."
Amanda Zaeske is cast in the part of Anybody, the young tomboy who wants to be part of the gang.
"I'm really not a girlie girl,"she said. "It's been fun with all of the guys trying to beat me up. I can hold my own."
Alain Cisneros, Ben DeGarcia and Eric Schwendner are all part of the rival gang the Sharks. They've found that the music is great.
"I love being able to do the song "America,'" DeGarcia said.
Director Kristin Voris is an English teacher at Marmion who was involved in theater at West Aurora High School when she was a student there. She is happy that the students are so receptive to the musical.
"They have really worked on the dance moves, and Tony and Riff have even worked out some stunts between each other," she added.
The students are ready for opening night. They like the buzz of doing a musical that is timeless and being done now in New York.
"If you can't make it to New York, come to Marmion," said Brian Hoss.
<p class="factboxheadblack">"West Side Story"</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28; 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Marmion Academy gymnasium, 1000 Butterfield Road, Aurora</p> <p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $10</p> <p class="News"><b>Call:</b> (630) 897-6936, ext. 237</p>