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Show rr (( Number Volume 21 8 Dixie College communication may still be one of the largest barriers When West Side Story first opened on Broadway in 1957, it was these the first outright dance musical of its kind. It was also the first musical theatre piece to discuss the problems of teenage street gangs. And though it is more than two decades old, when the rises on Dixie College's curtain version the popular stage musical Tuesday evening, it's message will be as current as ever, according to Dr. C. Paul Andersen, director. West Side Story will play February 13 through 19, at 8 00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Theatre at Dixie of College. Tickets are on sale now in the theatre box office. "Though differences problems are still they once were ee gangs," family the catalyst for street cites Andersen, "drugs oppin. have accelerated the struggle. though our world is in the midst of the And o "information mer plea.' 330 '90 - racial and age," St. George, Utah Friday, February 9, 1090 Presents West Side Story Feb. 13 - 17&19 Mark Petersen Guest Writer ST. GEORGE lase rt. Dixie College between parents and children, governments and society. West Side Story brings out problems entertaining, fast-pace- in an and yet tender fashion." West Side Story was the first show to bear a credit that has since become familiar "conceived, choreographed, and directed" by one person. That one person, Jerome Robbins, changed the course of Broadway forever. Robbins s ll choreography set a new standard for the wall-to-wa- musical theatre. Critics termed his dances as production to be simple by comparison to act as a foil. The action will show up better does. against it. I wanted to have lots of space, I wanted it big to of tone the the Though show sounds somewhat create a feeling of emptiness. serious, Andersen emphasizes Even though the set looks that West Side Story isn't simple, it's been one of my but very most expensive sets because of depressing, massiveness." Hanson says entertaining. In addition to its the exciting and rhythmic hundreds of student man have gone into dancing, the music has some hours of the most beautiful songs in construction of the set. Costumes have been the theatre, he says. and constructed by designed Somewhere," "Tonight," Dixie College designer "Maria," and "I Feel Pretty" veteran have become American Olive Esplin. Roene DiFiore has instructed the vocalists classics. "And one of the show's and Dr. Ronald Garner will of it. It really has been an emotional impact as they've come to realize what hate much of the same flavor of dancing throughout as the Broadway version. In this show, 'company numbers' are danced. Instead of opening with the old musical comedy approach, it opens with a dance. "The narration of the show is very often carried in the dancing," continues Andersen. "The dancing isn't just for dancing sake, it pulls the plot forward. The dancing is physical and physically demanding." Andersen relates that one of the keys for his actors enthusiasm has been the excitement the cast feels in identifying with the young most endearing qualities," conduct the orchestra. admits Andersen, "is the Assistant director for the show is Tammy Edwards and the simple, yet head strong romance of Tony (played by stage manager is Chris Daren Gates) and Maria Fullmer. "Everyone is really (Amanda Gardner). An important element looking forward to opening as if people in the script the total "extensive and exciting situation of their being in every Btep taken by every a every trouble and trying to come during character moment of the show was a together. "The cast has really dance step: mambos in the gym, stately ballets, and caught the spirit of the show," g remarks Andersen. "They find young toughs them as real people in their street. the down "Although I've enlisted struggle related to prejudice, "This of the production is the sets, night," says Andersen. one of the most has been Hanson. Brent by designed "Wef Side Story" is anticipated shows I've ever been associated with." very complicated," states real a show is "The Hanson. (Trish hate, poverty and hurt. It choreographers even for professional Mecham and Jennifer Jones) really comes through. They stretch, For this reason, I companies. deal with it sometimes by to assist me with the show, set for our the wanted is still laughing at it, making the best says Andersen, "there 1i WMI,IWI ... ' finger-snappin- I l " -- lOtost in the cast and company of the annual Dixie College us'ca Side Story," rehears a number during the week pnor to the LMembers of j . . pon 1990 in the Dixie College Fine Arts Auditorium. under the direction of Dr. C. Paul Andersen. pu jS t ) J |
