Sheffield Star
"When two gangs, The Sharks and The Jets go to war there will ultimately be no winners. Cleverly adapting Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet, our star crossed lovers are a beautiful Puerto Rican immigrant, Maria and Tony a Polish boy born in America.
Catherine Harban as Maria and Josh Coburn as Tony have great voices and sing some sweet harmonies together, including Tonight and One Hand, One Heart. They act appropriately ingenuously having fallen in love at first sight. Josh is only seventeen and should have a fine career ahead of him.
Maria’s brother Bernardo, leader of The Sharks, is played by the consistently terrific Mark Harris. He shares great on stage chemistry with sexy girlfriend Anita, played by Sarah Mashford.
Riff, the leader of The Jets, is played by youngster Jonathan Stewart. He puts in a commanding performance, looking to be in total control of his gang. Phil Brownhill does a Columbo as Schrank and Gareth Lloyd is an almost cartoonish Officer Krupke.
The songs are memorable. Maria, America and I Feel Pretty being the most recognisable. Director Dee Bennie-Marshall and Assistant Claire Harriott have put in some fine choreography. The colourful mambo at the gym is slick and impressive whilst the dancing for Cool was unexpected and original. Gee Officer Krupke brought light relief to a tragic tale.
The live orchestra was tight and added dynamism to the musical numbers. The sets were well done. Almost every scene brought a change, be it a battleground or the lovers’ balcony."
Stephen Grigg, 10 November 2011
Sheffield Telegraph
"If you have ever wondered what shape the future of theatrical talents of Sheffield will take, you'll find the answer at the Lyceum this week.
Sheffield's very own versions of the Jets and Sharks and their formidable girls prove it will be a very bright future indeed.
West Side Story demands a young cast and Sheffield Teachers' Operatic Society should truly be proud of the one they have put together to offer a stage full of outhful enthusiasm and a great evening's entertainment.
Catherine Harban is outstanding as Maria and you could hear a pin drop in the packed theatre as she brings the show to a tearful close.
That's the thing with this love story - it is easy just to remember the big numbers and forget the brutality of the storyline.
Next year is the 50th anniversary of the film yet in many ways it has hardly dated at all. While soceity may not have to deal with 'rumbles' these days the themes of gangs, racism, depreivation and knife crime are never far from today's headlines.
It all makes the gangs of 1950s New York seem a little bit too close to home as love blossoms amid a background of violent rivalry between the Puerto Rico and white working-class youths.
Sarah Mashford as Anita, Jonathan Stewart as Riff, Josh Coburn (Tony) and Mark Harris (Bernado) are all impressive but every member of the cast should be equally proud."
Nancy Fielder, 10 November 2011
AUDIENCE REACTION
"FAN - TAS - TIC ! Loved you all xxxxxxx and could hear & see everything from the back of the circle"
"I've just returned home from seeing your opening night of West Side Story at the Lyceum and I've been completely inspired."
"Oh WOW - what an amazing show. So professional. Really, really, really loved it. x"
"Really enjoyed this afternoon's performance, excellent show all round, well done everyone."
"Came to see West side story last night, it's WONDERFUL, CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL CONCERNED, WONDERFUL WONDERFUL WONDERFUL!!!."
"Many congratulations to all involved in West Side Story. I really enjoyed it, especially Josh Coburn who was the best Tony I've ever seen...ever! Well done!"
MEMBER COMMENTS
"Proper Loved Doing West Side Story! Was an amazing week and I've met some friends for life! You guys are a great Society and it has been a pleasure to work with such lovely people! Missing it so much already! Just a quick thanks to everyone for making it the week it was and i think I'd be right in speaking on behalf of the Rotherham/RTSA lot for welcoming us from the first minute! ..Can't wait to find out and do the next one with everyone ! Well Done Everyone.. Was Amazing!"
"Just wanted to tell everyone that I've had one of the best weeks ever doing this show, well done to every single person involved, and hopefully see you all next year"