January 28-February 21

Jerome Robbins' classic story of class struggle and star-crossed lovers comes to life in a more contemporary version at the Nippon Kan Theatre. Directed by Northwest Asian American Theatre artistic director Chil Kong, this production of West Side Story is more edgy and immediate.

Woven into the underlying Romeo and Juliet story are some undertones which seem to jump from the pages of current news stories. There is a sharper focus on the gang war which forms an integral part of this modern day tragedy and with the casting of an almost all Asian cast, this brings the story home. Literally.

Young actors Katie Tupper (Maria) and Tim Yamamura (Tony) give a very convincing performance as lovers who try to cross lines of culture, after they meet at a community dance. Also giving stand out performances are Richard Sloniker (Flipzoids) as Riff and Kim Anh Yanda as Anita. The music is by a live orchestra, and choreography by Bengie Santos is fresh and exciting. Without a doubt the most moving (there were many noticeable sniffles in the audience at the end of the play) production of this delightful, but provocative musical.