Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...This certainly is the darkest end to this show you likely will have seen, and it's a fitting coda to the breathtaking work of the young Chicago choreographer William Carlos Angulo, who powers his ensemble with the overwhelming angst of adolescent energy — of both the sensual and the deeply destructive kind. Throughout this production, which honors the show's groundbreaking role in the history of narrative dance while also feeling completely fresh, you feel like you're mostly watching kids unable to control their bodies. At times it's like they are attacking themselves."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Corti, ever brainy and audacious, and his invaluable choreographer, William Carlos Angulo (who has served as assistant choreographer for several major Paramount and Drury Lane shows, but here makes an astonishing debut as the creative force behind the dancing), have remained fully faithful to the original. Yet at the same time they have made innovative choices in this near operatic musical (backed by a galvanic 19-piece orchestra led by music director Tom Vendafreddo) that feel completely of-the-moment. Every element of the show’s story — from gang violence and guns, to attitudes towards immigrants, to generational and cultural differences, to the lack of jobs and the strong-armed tactics of the police — easily synchronizes with today’s headlines.
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...Paramount's production offers a modern, bruising take on the beloved musical. The "Romeo and Juliet" tale comes to life with an impassioned cast and an exceptional 19-piece orchestra under music director Tom Vendafreddo that does justice to the dazzling score, one of the finest composed for the stage."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...With believable romantic sparks flying between Skrip’s Tony and Nadad’s Maria, especially in “Maria” and “Tonight,” the tragic elements are in place. The inevitable tragedy is dynamically presented through dance and powerful dramatic moments. Director Jim Corti’s tight, flowing production builds the tension toward the sad moments marvelously leaving us with a strong emotional reaction. "
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...As we made our way to The Paramount Theatre in Aurora for yet another production of “West Side Story” (it seems that there is an annual rendition) , my mind drifted to what could director Jim Corti do to make his production “his production?” At 8:08 p.m. the curtain rose and the orchestra began to play Leonard Bernstein’s “Prologue” introducing us to the neighborhood and the Sharks and the Jets. At that moment, the magic began. Tom Vendafreddo and his orchestra took over and for the next two-and-a-half-hours a spellbound audience, many who have seen this musical many times, could feel the tragedy of the book by Arthur Laurents and the lyrics of Stephen Sondheim. What a night"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This splendid production deserves to be seen, if only to hear Bernstein’s beautiful score played by a full orchestra and to behold a professional, Broadway caliber cast of talented performers acting, singing and dancing their hearts out. Whether experiencing this musical for the first time or revisiting this masterpiece once again, like an old friend, this is one terrific production that’ll definitely live in every audience member’s heart. Quite definitely, this show is “the most beautiful sound I ever heard…”"
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...In recent years, we’ve been treated to some fine stage productions of West Side Story, but this is the best. For newcomers to the musical, it’s a must. And for the much larger group of those who have seen the musical many times before on stage or screen, it’s well worth the trip out to Aurora."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Thankfully, Director Jim Corti and his team have just the right amount of confidence and/or self-delusion, because they have tackled the the full scope and spectacle of the story and realized it in breathtaking staging that truly befits its epic nature."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Director Jim Corti realizes his dark vision by effortlessly weaving all the elements together. The full orchestra punctuates the choreography, which allows the actors to perform at their optimal best. Stage setting is more minimal than in previous Paramount Theatre productions but what exists on stage is put to good use as the actors can often be found literally climbing to great heights. Nothing on stage is wasted and everything feels natural and unforced."
