Music Theater Works’ 24-member orchestra delivers ‘West Side Story’ as Leonard Bernstein intended
Music Theater Works’ upcoming “West Side Story” revival will deliver for audiences a sonic delight rarely encountered outside of an opera house like the Civic or a festival like Ravinia.
Twenty-four musicians will play Leonard Bernstein’s remarkable score in a pit orchestra that is more than double the size of most Chicago-area and Broadway ensembles.
Bernstein’s score demands it, and conductor Justin Kono wouldn’t have it any other way.
“This number of players is expected,” Kono said. “I feel like you are doing a disservice to the music if you reduce the orchestra.”
“This will be the largest, all-union orchestra for a theatrical production currently running in the Chicago area,” he said, calling it one of the company’s biggest-ever expenses.
“We are doing this without click tracks, computer software or sweetener tracks … the way the music is intended to sound,” he said.
Unfortunately, few theater companies are in a position to deliver Bernstein’s score in its purest state.
This marks Kono’s first time conducting “West Side Story.” Classically trained and jazz-steeped, the Darien percussionist named “Cool,” “Mambo” from the scene at the gym and the scherzo from the ballet sequence as the moments he’s most anticipating.
“I love the contrast, being able to flex all these different muscles with these wonderful players,” Kono said. “Those are the goose-bump moments.”
Kono played his first Music Theater Works production during COVID on a flatbed truck in the parking lot. He subsequently played in seven other shows and served as music director for three. He played in and has provided electronic music design for Broadway In Chicago and Porchlight Music Theatre, and has accompanied shows at Drury Lane and Marriott theaters.
Asked about his transition to conductor, Kono said he believes he has a temperament for leadership, which he developed partly from his experience as a sideman.
“You need to know when to step forward and make a comment and when to step back,” said Kono, who serves as music director at the First Congregational Church in Downers Grove.
“You meet people where they’re at,” said Kono, who also writes arrangements for Libertyville High School and plays in the Brazilian funk/jazz band Funkeria.
Most important, said Kono, is ensuring everyone pursues the same goal, which in this case is delivering a “West Side Story” revival unlike any other.
The production has more than music to recommend it, according to Kono, who says MTW’s cast is chronologically and ethnically appropriate for the characters they play.
Also, the actors “went through a pretty rigorous process to make sure everyone can dance,” he said. “The dancing will be spectacular.”
“A lot of young talent gets to blossom at Music Theater Works,” Kono said. “I think people will be in for a treat.”
Twenty-four musicians and their conductor guarantee it.
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“West Side Story”
Showtimes: Previews at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13. The show opens at 7 p.m. Aug. 14 and runs at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15, 21 and 28; 2 p.m. Aug. 16, 19, 23, 26 and 30; and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 and 29
Where: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, (847) 673-6300, MusicTheaterWorks.com
Tickets: $19.50-$106