Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...Music Theater Works always offers great voices, and this production is no exception. Luke Nowakowski is a wonderfully appealing Tony with the range to handle the character’s difficult and falsetto-laden songs. Likewise, Connor Ripperger is a gritty Riff, selling “Cool” as well as the Jets’ song. Both have acting chops to go with their voices. Isabella Ruano’s Maria has an outstanding soprano, and plays the grief and fury of act two very well, but her giddiness in act one makes the character seem stupid rather than innocent. Pauleth Jauregui is a superb dancer and an able singer as Anita. Emmanuel Ramirez seemed weak as Bernardo, though that may have been the result of a sound glitch, which also kept the Sharks from sounding as full as the Jets during the otherwise-brilliant “Tonight” quintet."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"..."West Side Story" is not a typical musical. First of all, the book by Arthur Laurents ( based on a story by William Shakespeare) with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and fully conceived by Jerome Robbins, is indeed a masterpiece that is unique in style and story. The story is a "Romeo & Juliet" ( thus the reference to Shakespeare) love story. Unlikely lovers, who no matter how they feel can never be together. This is a musical that has wonderful choreography (Clayton Cross & Isa Ramirez) that, at times, is more ballet than typical Broadway Musical dance steps. I must say, the choreography is "stunning"."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...This splendid production of an American theatrical classic, only playing for a limited run, celebrates the richness of music, culture, language and community. If only to hear Bernstein's beautiful score played by a full orchestra, or to see and hear a company of gifted and talented young professionals acting, singing and dancing their hearts out, this production deserves a look. It's a musical filled with excitement, romance and a bit of welcome humor. Whether this is your first or fifteenth time experiencing WEST SIDE STORY, please do not miss this absolutely extraordinary presentation at Music Theater Works. Worthy of a standing ovation, this is a must-see production!"
Third Coast Review
- Recommended
"...Teen violence, systemic oppression, and star-crossed love collides in West Side Story, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. In the second production of its 2026 season, Music Theater Works pays homage to Jerome Robbins’ iconic choreography and the musical’s enduring love story. While the production is respectful of its source material, it ultimately plays it safe, missing some opportunities to take risks which could make this familiar story feel fresh. The production is directed by Sasha Gerritson."
Chicago Theater and Arts
- Recommended
"...Music Theater Works remains true to their tradition of presenting musical theater that stays very close to the original production. There is nothing new or fresh here. This is not an updated version but rather a chance to see the show presented pretty close to how it was conceived by its creators."
PicksInSix
- Highly Recommended
"...Music Theater Works is now offering its version of this timeless endeavor at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie through August 30. And this production team has created their own pedigree in a marvelous way. There is a full 22-piece orchestra directed by Linda Madonia, under the expert baton of Justin Kono. There is oh-so-smart, insightful direction by Sasha Gerritson. Clayton Cross and Isa Ramirez share choreography credit. The intimacy/violence choreographer Nick Sandys created sharp, well-paced gang fights between the Sharks and the Jets, while tenderly and deftly weaving the romantic moments between Maria and Tony."
Splash Magazine
- Highly Recommended
"...Directed by Sasha Gerritson, with choreography by Clayton Cross and Isa Ramirez, the dancing is high-energy on steroids! The dancers don’t simply fill the stage — they tell the story through movement, attitude and simmering tension, matched only by the extraordinary Bernstein score."
NewCity Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Fortunately, Music Theater Works' new production of "West Side Story" goes big in every way, with tremendous singers and actors, fabulous costumes, explosive choreography and a nimble twenty-two-piece orchestra, conducted by Justin Kono. Directed by Sasha Gerritson with musical direction by Linda Madonia and choreography by Isa Ramirez and Clayton Cross, this production captures the story's humor, sadness and majestic scope."
