‘West Side Story’ at Aladdin still pleasing to the masses

Joe Delaney

Friday, July 5, 2002 | 8:42 a.m.

Preface: There are two major Broadway musicals that leave this reviewer cold -- Frank Loesser's pop opera, "Most Happy Fella," and "West Side Story."

When you consider that William Shakespeare wrote the original plot and four of this country's great contributors to the arts got together to create "West Side Story," it has to be my fault that I cannot enjoy it.

Arthur Laurents wrote the libretto, the book. The music is Leonard Bernstein's, the lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and the entire original production was produced, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. Each were obviously major participants when it had its premiere performance in Washington, D.C., in August 1957.

Add to this a first-rate touring company at the Aladdin through Sunday with outstanding performances, especially by Natasha Harper as Maria, Drew Niles as Tony and Greta Martin (in place of Lynn Sterling) as Anita, sweetheart of Bernardo (Maria's brother, slain by Tony). Tony and Maria are this production's Romeo and Juliet.

Special mentions go to Alan Johnson for faithfully reproducing Robbins' direction and choreography, and to the entire cast for performing the dance numbers with near-perfection. And to Musical Director Donald Chan and a superb live orchestra, also major contributors. Go; hear the difference.

A goodly house, one side or the other of 2,000, seemed to really enjoy it with enthusiastic responses throughout the 1-hour, 45-minute production. There was a 15-minute intermission and no one left early, not even this reviewer. The technical gremlins were present at times but not enough to be noted.

I enjoyed this company and its performance very much as well, but I must report that my opinion of "West Side Story" remains unchanged. Please don't let this be a deterrent. See it.