West Side NY meets West Side SF in this year’s spring musical
By Olivia Starr
Originally published March 11, 2015
As rehearsals come to a close, the excitement is palpable among a cast of over 60 students who have spent the past few months preparing for the spring production of West Side Story, directed by drama teacher Teresa Bookwalter and choir teacher Jason Chan. Based off Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the classic musical tells the story of Maria, who belongs to the Puerto Rican gang, the Sharks, and Tony, from the Caucasian gang, the Jets, who fall madly in love in 1950s New York City.
Passion for the Play
Many actors said that West Side Story is one of their favorite plays. “I really wanted to do it justice. I just love West Side Story, so I wanted to be satisfied with what I’ve done and what I’ve put on stage,” said senior Sri Paruthiyil, who shares the role of Tony with fellow senior Jackson Murphy.
Other students share Paruthiyil’s willingness to put in their time. “Everyone is very talented and hardworking. When you’re working with an enthusiastic group of people it rubs off on you and it makes you want to be better,” said sophomore Katherine Skinner, who plays Maria’s friend Anita.
“A lot of the time I will be watching rehearsal and I will just start crying because it’s so beautiful.”
Senior Thomas Fender, who is playing the role of Bernardo, Maria’s brother, agreed. “It’s refreshing that everyone is so into it and they all want to make it perfect,” he said. Junior Akeylah Hernandez, who shares the role of Anita with Skinner, also observed the cast’s commitment to doing their best. “A lot of the time I will be watching rehearsal and I will just start crying because it’s so beautiful. I cry in moments where no one is supposed to cry! It’s a great atmosphere.”
Seniors Make Their Mark
Several seniors in the production are participating in a musical for the first time. For some, the demanding schedule, with up to 25 hours a week spent in rehearsals, was a tough transition. Nonetheless, students noted that the experienced actors were more than welcoming. “I think the whole drama community is very open. I’ve met different kinds of people, but they’re all all welcoming and hilarious,” senior Sofia Trogu said.
However, Trogu did mention that the long rehearsal hours were an adjustment. “As far as schedules go, it was different because I don’t do extracurricular activities every single day like this for this many hours a day.”
“Back in 2011, there was a little production called Romeo and Julietand I was in it. West Side Story is basically a retelling of that. So it has come full circle. It’s a perfect ending.”
Several seniors are concluding their last semesters as seasoned actors, such as lead Jackson Murphy. “We’re all seniors, so it’s very bittersweet,” he said. “Back in 2011, there was a little production called Romeo and Juliet and I was in it. West Side Story is basically a retelling of that. So it has come full circle. It’s a perfect ending.”
Behind the Scenes
Backstage, students are no less important. Theater tech is comprised of lighting, costumes, props, set design, and much more. Under the leadership of head technical director Kyla Morris, each team works in a small group to bring the play to life.
Backstage, students are no less important.
Sonia Hauser, a sophomore who helped to coordinate costumes, said that her role required a lot of background research before she was even able to start designing the wardrobe. She spent a great deal of time researching the time period, taking notes on other high school and professional productions, and watching videos until she finally started on her own sketches and inspiration board. “I really think the costumes let the audience understand the vibe and the feel of the play. They help paint a picture of the scene. West Side Story takes place in the 50s, so we have to have authentic clothing,” she said.
“Anything could happen. Props could break and we have to keep that in mind.”
Sophomore Carolyn Duong is involved in the props department. “Basically, we flip through the script and pick out all the props. We figure out if we have a prop or if we need to build it or buy it,” she said. Though students spend a couple of months planning so the play can go off without a hitch, Duong did acknowledge that there are always going to be hiccups along the way. “We always have to prepared and make sure that there is enough of everything. Anything could happen. Props could break and we have to keep that in mind,” she said.
