BRILLIANT! that s West Side Story, music by Leonard Bernstein. Set in New York, the story is an updated version of Romeo and Juliet which centres on the racial tension between two rival gangs – the white immigrant Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks – and t

BRILLIANT! that's West Side Story, music by Leonard Bernstein. Set in New York, the story is an updated version of Romeo and Juliet which centres on the racial tension between two rival gangs - the white immigrant Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks - and the love that develops between Tony (Chris Nelson) and Maria (Katie Lavelli).

The overture leads us into their dark moody world of confrontation.

We meet Tony, who is trying to make a break from the Jets. He sings Something's Coming. And it did in the form of Maria, sister of the Sharks leader who he meets at a dance. They are drawn to each other and no-one else matters, the world stands still, until her brother separates them and the dance is over.

Tony stands alone and sings Maria, his voice echoing through the theatre,

Would they meet again?

A fight is then arranged between the Jets and Sharks to decide which gang rules the streets. Maria tries to get Tony to stop it. He's called chicken for not wanting to get involved but in a superbly choreographed fight, Riff is knifed and killed by Bernardo. Angry, Tony retaliates, grabs the knife and kills Bernardo.

Too late he realises what he has done. He goes on the run but there is a further twist to the plot.

I couldn't fault this beautiful production at The Gordon Craig Theatre Stevenage, or its fantastic cast. The costumes, music, lighting and scenery were excellent, as was the singing and dancing.

Maureen Millard