Classic Musical Still Speaks to Our Times

South High takes on another school-community musical theater collaboration
this summer by presenting a classic, West Side Story, that still speaks to our
times.
After the smash success of In the Heights in 2017 and Once On This Island in
2018, both co-produced with SNAP Productions, South commissioned
SNAP’s Michal Simpson to direct West Side Story. Noted Omaha
choreographer Roxanne Nielsen is shaping the dance numbers. Music
director Tyler Guttemeyer and stage combat coordinator Kevin Barratt are
South faculty members. Set designer Joshua Mullady is an Omaha theater
gypsy. Producer Becky Noble facilitates visual and performing arts
programming at South, which is the Arts Magnet for the Omaha Public
Schools.
The diverse cast is comprised of current and former South students, students
from other schools and seasoned adult theater professionals.
“When we announced it to our kids last spring, they were thrilled,” Noble said.
“It’s probably one of the most enduring musicals ever.”
Auditions drew students from South, Papiliion, Gretna, Elkhorn, Burke,
Central.
“For many,” she said, “it’s always been on their list of shows they really
wanted to do.”
That’s even true for production team member Tyler Gruttemeyer, who said, “It
has always been one of my dream musicals to music direct.”
The work’s diverse social-cultural milieu, Noble said, “speaks to our mission of
trying to present shows that showcase what our society and culture really look
like.”
The musical drama centers on ethnic-racial tension and intolerance amidst
rival 1950s-era New York City gangs, – the white Jets and Puerto Rican
Sharks.
South grad Kate Myers Madsen, a veteran of Heights and Island, plays Anita,
the girlfriend of Sharks leader Bernardo. Her bestie Maria falls for Tony, who
used to be a Jet. The couple’s romance is caught in the tragic, toxic conflict.
“It’s an ethnic Romeo and Juliet audiences will forever be drawn to,” said
Madsen. “I feel deeply about the message shared in the scene that
“Somewhere” is performed. The message of there being a place for
acceptance, equality, even forgiveness is so powerful.”
“We still are learning those lessons today,” Noble said.
“The show has universal themes and great messages,” Simpson said, “as far
as finding your place, striving for acceptance and being true to yourself. When
we had read-throughs, kids were awed by the meat of the show. It’s great to
educate them about this piece of theater because it’s definitely something
they should know.”
For Gruttemeyer it’s “a timeless storyline of heartbreaking themes and
haunting music.”
Nielsen is struck by “the relevancy of the story,” adding, “People can relate to
it no matter who they are.” She noted its enduring appeal is evident by a 2009
Broadway revival, a current regional revival in Chicago and the new Steven
Spielberg movie version slated for 2020 release. “It just keeps going. It goes
to show the power of the material.”
Simpson said the show mines a rich, deep well. “Not only do we see how
society divides people and how skin color is an issue people can’t see past,
but it also deals with everyone’s need to find their niche – and that’s
something all people struggle with. We’ve talked to the kids about how the
dialogue is not politically correct and we’re telling a story set in a different
time, but a lot of this stuff is still with us, and these kids know that.”
Unlike previous productions he’s been a part of, Simpson said, “This time
around I’m fortunate enough to be able to cast it not only ethnically
appropriate but age appropriate. It brings a different edge to the show with the
emotions and the situations.”
In Isabel Gott as Maria, he said, “we have this beautiful, petite Latina,” and in
Payton Johnson as Tony “we’ve got this blonde, apple-cheeked All-American
boy.” “They bring the youthful passion that goes with those roles.”
Gruttemeyer said Gott. a South junior, and Johnson, a Papillion South senior,
rise to the challenge of roles that test their musical and dramatic limits. “You
can expect them to give incredibly real and authentic performances that will
have you lost in the magic of theater.”
The demanding show features music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen
Sondheim, a book by Arthur Laurents and dances by Jerome Robbins.
“The music works together like an intricate puzzle,” Gruttemeyer said. “Every
time we run through the score, something new inspires me. I have been so
impressed by our performers finding the unique shades and flavors of each
song needed to bring each scene to life.”
As for the dance, it’s “infused into the characters’ lives and interwoven into the
story,” Noble said. “The dance at the gym is a huge part of that. It speaks to
their conflict through dance.”
Nielsen’s tasked with getting the cast to dance in a naturalistic. gritty style
befitting their character’s urban environs. She enjoys working with diverse
ages and abilities.”It is my favorite thing to do. We’re working with people we
would never have the opportunity to work with otherwise. I just love bringing
together different communities and levels of experience and backgrounds.
“It’s what theater should be – bringing people from all walks of life and working
towards something together.”
“Blending young people with older people produces a different vibe,” Simpson
said of this exchange of energy among cast and crew. Leads Gott and
Johnson say they’ve grown from the experience.
Of the creative team assembled, Nielsen said, “You just can’t get any better
than that.”
Gruttemeyer appreciates reconnecting with South alums, including Kate
Meyers Madsen as Anita. Kyle Cunningham as Riff and Ailyn Chaidez and
Aimee Perez-Valentin as Consuelo and Francisca. He also enjoys “the
opportunity to collaborate with incredibly gifted students from across the area.”
Speaking for her fellow alums, Madsen said, “I feel a deep connection with
these productions. Each time I walk through the doors and step on that stage
it feels just like coming home,”
South’s school-community collaborations have attracted packed houses and
rave reviews. Their quality and talent go well beyond the typical high school
show.
“A lot of people are caught off guard by what they see on that stage,” Simpson
said.
The production team expects the same this year.
For Becky Noble, it’s confirmation of South’s arts excellence. Her colleague,
Roxanne Nielsen, said, “Everything they’re doing in the arts is just right and
it shows. They’re doing a bang-up job.”
The June 14-25 and June 20-21 shows are at 7:30 p.m. The June 22 show is
at 2 p.m. All performances are at the South High auditorium.
Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.
Read more of Leo Adam Biga’s work at leoadambiga.com.