SAN DIEGO MUSICAL THEATRE IS... by lisa lipsey
he telling of West Side Story has been in the hands of some amazing and prolific LGBT people. From William Shakespeare’s original story concept—Romeo & Juliet to the creation of the musical by Broadway’s “dream team;” with book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and iconic dance steps from Jerome
Robbins. Suddenly, it makes perfect sense. At its heart, West Side Story is a reminder that love, is love, is love. The world is turbulent and love can have its dangers, but, it should be
nurtured, not hidden or forbidden. Look beyond a wonderful score and the humor. Inside, there is a dose of racism, gun violence, police brutal- ity, immigration and failing schools… West Side Story remains one of the most relevant musicals of our time. San Diego Musical Theatre has entrusted West Side Story to the capable hands of LGBT and Latino director, actor and filmmaker, James Vasquez. Vasquez grew up in Escondido and then headed to Julliard School, graduating in 1994. He did a stint in New York and then had his screen writing debut with the 2005 feature film 29th and Gay, in which he also starred. Since moving back to San Diego, he has bounced about town direct-
ing and acting in shows at the Old Globe, Cygnet Theatre, the Diversion- ary and San Diego Musical Theatres. “There is a lovely ease in San Diego and the theatre community is really thriving. Daring moves are being made on and offstage. I am forever grateful, this community has em- braced me and let me find my artistic voice and express it,” says Vasquez. When asked about his point of view for this production of West Side
Story, Vasquez offered, “This show is brilliant and unfortunately, so bril- liantly relevant today. I am sticking with the original intent and design. But, we plan to lighten up the scenic design. Overall, it is hipper and sexier. We will not back down from subject matter.”
HEADING WEST For example, when looking at songs like “America” and “Gee, Of-
ficer Krupke,” both are traditionally done as comedy numbers and yet, Vasquez points out, “When you look at what those kids are saying... these are white street boys who run the hood and control the police. There is danger in that song—strong opinions and social commentary, just like the women addressing racism and immigration issues in ‘America.’” Vasquez is excited to be working with a young and energetic cast, including San Diego local favorite, Jacob Caltrider. Fresh off a run of the Lamb’s Players’ An American Christmas and Les Misérables, Caltrider has taken on the starring role of Tony. Vasquez first met Caltrider, when he was a teen participating in summer acting workshops at the Old Globe. “I love that kid. He is a natural talent.” Caltrider, a passionate workhorse, also serves as casting director for the
Cygnet Theatre. “I have done all my learning on the job, I have been really lucky and I love what I do and to have a creative outlet. Everything else gets turned off. It isn’t just a job, it is a lifestyle… performing keeps me going.” Caltrider noted, he has some experience with the role, he played Tony
in an Escondido Youth Theatre production at age 16. He said, however, “To prepare for this production, I must approach it with a fresh set of eyes and speak with James [Vasquez] to learn what he sees and build the character from there.” Vazquez added, “There is one last thing I want to touch on, San Diego
Musical Theatre’s move to the Spreckels Theatre downtown. It is really ex- citing and really scary. It hasn’t been used a lot for theatre in recent years. When you walk in the door, you can feel the history and the energy. This is an exciting new chapter and the space informs some changes to the show. The orchestra pit is really small, so the show will have some immer- sive elements to it. I am excited to tell a story we can each relate to in our own ways.”
“When you walk in the door you can feel the history, the energy.
This is an exciting new chapter and the space informs some changes to the show.”
West Side Story runs Friday, February 13 through Sunday, March 1 at the Spreckels Theatre. For tickets and more information call 858.560.5740 or visit them online at
sdmt.org
FEBRUARY 2015 | RAGE monthly 49
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64