Q Artistry’s latest QKids production takes 12 kids, 12 adult actors, and a storyline from one of the most beloved musicals of all time, West Side Story. What happens? Amazing things.
Following the QKids successful productions The Fowl and Perry Haughter, East Side Story takes well known pop culture icons and adapts them to local sensibilities. Instead of Sharks and Jets, we get “Youfs” (the kids) and the “Tallz” (the adults) facing off musically in the middle of the theatre space, trading taunts back and forth. A challenge is issued that will take place at the Irvington Halloween Festival — a costume rumble, if you will. One of the Tallz puts together a Doctor Who costume, and one of the shy Youfs also dons the Doctor’s bowtie and fez. Just like Maria and Tony in the original musical, the two lock eyes and know that theirs is a Doctor Who friendship that can never be. They meet in secret, until one of the Tallz sees them together and the East Side explodes with jealousy and arguments. While the original ended in tragedy, East Side Story ends with the two gangs coming together in mutual understanding.
Songs full of references to the east side play out like the more famous score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, including the delightful “Indianapolis” (“America”). The show’s music and lyrics by the multi-talented Ben Asaykwee is fun and thoughtful, and the choreography is very professional. With two mini-stages on each end of the large Q Artistry space, the action takes place in the middle, just as much of the action in West Side Story took place in the streets and at the gym.
The cast of kids in this show, including many east side kids, are simply superb. They handle the songs and complicated dance sequences like real pros, and keep up with the Tallz step for step. The adult actors mentored each young person, coaching them through the script and music — and it shows in this thoroughly enjoyable and energetic production. The Youfs cast of Madison Adkins, Athan Christopher, Adia Dant, Sam Eichacker, Griffin Lohner, Isaac McCrae, Elsie McNulty, Zane Roberts, Morgan Roof, Katharine Ruggar, Saffron Shore, and Lindsey Snow was paired with theatre veterans Ben Asaykwee, Tiffanie Bridges, Matt Campbell, Jaddy Ciucci, Janice Hibbard, Maria Meschi, Carrie Morgan, Ben Schuetz, Amelia Smith, Craig Underwood, Sara Williams, and Abby Wright.
Reservations are probably necessary to snag a seat at the May 17 performances at 2 and 5 p.m. Opening night on May 10 was standing room only, and Sunday was the same. Q Artistry is at 5515 E. Washington St. Visit www.qartistry.org to order tickets online.