Blend of youth and experience brings ‘West Side Story’ alive
WE’RE just over a week out from the première of the Light Opera Society of Tralee’s (LOST) latest show, West Side Story, and preparations couldn’t be going better, it seems.
Running nightly in Siamsa Tíre from Wednesday October 4 to Saturday October 7, ‘ West Side Story’ is, of course, the updated version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the action transposed from 16th Century Verona to 20th Century New York.
Under the creative and watchful eye of the young fourth-time director Gráinne
O’ Carroll, the young members of the cast, in particular, 16-year-old lead actress Sarah Cleary, have all grown in stature.
“We had our orchestra run through at the weekend and everything is looking and sounding fantastic,” said Gráinne, speaking to The Kerryman on Monday.
“It’s great having such a young cast to work with because they are just so quick and able to deal with everything. This will be my fourth time directing. I started out with Les Mis and then I went on to do Phantom of The Opera and then I did Evita last year.
“Our costumes and everything are all set so we’re all just ready to get into Siamsa and put it on stage really,” she continued.
“Sarah, who plays Maria in the play, has been amazing. She didn’t even audition for the role in the first place but I knew that she had the potential.
“It took a bit of convincing, but she agreed in the end and she’s just grown in stature and composure since,” finished Gráinne.
Joining Sarah in the young cast will be Sean McElligott and Eoin Foran who are alternating as Tony, with Dylan O’Sullivan playing his first major role as Jets gang leader Riff. Clodagh Harrington - who thrilled as Evita in the Society’s last musical - plays Anita, of the Shark gang.
The production will also feature the creative talents of choreographer Katrina Galvin and musical directors Aidan O’Carroll and Anna Connolly.
Tickets are on sale now from Siamsa Tíre and will cost €17/€19.