Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...On the whole, though, this is a traditional, big-night-out 'West Side Story," replete of course with the full original orchestrations and expansive scenery. As was true in 2019, I'm not in love with all aspects of the production: the set, from Peter J. Davison, sets Maria's bedroom high up in the air, which results in some awkward blocking and you sometimes wonder why there is a third gang on the streets, the set-change crew, who occasionally show up a tad too visibly for the whole illusion to function as it could. The production also runs afeard of sensuality; at times on Friday night, it felt like Tony and Maria were more like pals than transgressive young lovers."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...With a 49-member cast and chorus, a 43-member pit orchestra and the massive expanse of the Lyric Opera House stage, it is the kind of large-scale treatment of this musical that only an opera company could muster. And it's one that makes sense given the show's sprawling setting on the streets of New York City."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...And the piece itself is absolutely miraculous. Director Francesca Zambello wisely gets out of the way while placing subtle emphasis on its contemporary resonances, especially the hatred of immigrants and civilian distrust of police. We are, after all, living in the midst of a gang war right now."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...The opera's star-crossed lovers are superbly played by Ryan McCartan as Tony and Kanisha Feliciano as Maria. McCartan uses his wonderfully clear tone and soaring falsetto to soulful effect in such songs as "Maria" and "One Hand, One Heart." Unfortunately, Feliciano's more textured voice with its bright vibrato doesn't blend so well with McCartan's. Amanda Castro as Anita serves up a generous portion of sass and charisma in songs like "America" and in her dancing and acting more generally. She is a delight to behold."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The special place is the Lyric Opera of Chicago to see the brilliance of this musical rendition of a sort of "Romeo & Juliet" dealing with forbidden love. Over the years, we have seen many versions of this classic and each one has been a special time for both the audience and the cast. "West Side Story" is very close to being considered an American Opera instead of a Musical Comedy and the choreography in this production is as close to being ballet as one can be. With music like "Tonight", "Maria", "America" , "I Feel Pretty" and of course "One Hand One Heart" and many more, we are taken into the world of young people in a changing area. We see the turmoil of turf being challenged by the new arrivals and the cause and effect of hate."
WTTW - Highly Recommended
"...Lyric's grand-scale re-run of its 2019 production, once again directed by Francesca Zambello, features a huge cast, the lush sound of the Lyric Orchestra conducted by James Lowe, and Robbins' finger-snapping original choreography, which is expertly reproduced by Joshua Bergasse."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...I don't think I need to sell you on West Side Story. It's in the canon for a reason, and there's a reason it's still performed and adapted almost seventy years later. The critiques over the years about representation, authenticity, and appropriation are valid, but there's a reason the show has undergone revisions to address those critiques, rather than fade into history. It's that good a show. So rather than sell you on the show, let me sell you on this production. Every single element, individually and collectively, is positively the best you are going to see doing this gorgeous material."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...West Side Story is just as exciting, vibrant, and moving today as it was when it was first created in 1957. Filled with timeless songs and choreographed dance numbers that are as original as they are visually stunning, West Side Story continues to delight audiences old and new, and Lyric Opera House’s latest offering of this musical masterpiece checks all the boxes. Conceived by Jerome Robbins with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, music by Leonard Bernstein and book by Arthur Laurents, West Side Story is considered to be one of the best musicals ever created."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Recommended
"...I can’t give enough praise to this production’s whole corps of dancers. Before a single person opens their mouth to sing, the audience is transported through movement into the Jets’ New York. Choreographer Joshua Bergasse (reproducing Jerome Robbins’s original Broadway choreography) tells the show’s story beautifully through the dancers and shows mastery over the many styles presented. Without the cast’s strong connection and exemplary execution of dance, the rest of the story would have come up short. Especially in a house as large as the Krainik, movement is needed to share the loud, exciting ensemble moments as well as the extremely intimate ones between Tony and Maria."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...In the wake of a theatrical dynamic that has been both indecisive and uncertain, Lyric Opera returns with "West Side Story," a production that captivated audiences in 2019 and one that has now evolved into a dazzling and euphoric experience all its own. Shattering the tentative resurgence to challenge audiences with new works and reimagined classics that theater companies large and small across the nation are grappling with, Lyric has doubled down to present the quintessential production of "West Side Story" - true to form and scale - on Chicago's largest stage."
Chicago Culture Authority - Highly Recommended
"...The entire ensemble of Sharks and Jets is up to the challenge. Keith Kupferer (Lt. Schrank) and Genevieve VenJohnson (Doc) deserve a tip of Officer Krupke’s cap for providing a needed dose of adult sorrow over the squandered potential of these promising children who, adrift and neglected when they should be nurtured and supported, end up losing everything in the most dangerous of games. Sepia-toned or not, some things never change."
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...For those who love West Side Story and are looking for a tried and true rendition, this production would be a good fit for you. For those who are also fans of classic musicals with the full works of sets, costumes, and large dance numbers, this would also be a good fit for you."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...In this classic and timeless musical, Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics, Arthur Laurents’s book, and Jerome Robbins’s bold and iconic dances transport the story of Romeo and Juliet to the streets of New York. West Side Story is an unforgettable musical theater experience on a scale only Lyric Opera of Chicago can offer."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Director Francesca Zambello has returned and has rethought her conception of the piece, tinkering with it in subsequent productions for the better. The original Jerome Robbins choreography feels more poetic and character-driven this time around, reproduced by Joshua Bergasse. The transitions from music and dance to spoken word are less jarring and the acting feels more organic overall. And the singing is vastly improved."
