Just a quick update on the Woodminster EXPERIENCE! Before the show started we wondered it the production would be “blind casted”. This means that race is not factored in to the casting decisions, and this being the Bay Area and all, we half expected it. But it’s kind of a questionable practice for West Side Story, as so much of the plot is race driven. Puerto Ricans V Polacks and all. Well they did cast by race, the Shark, the “PR” gang was played almost exclusively by … ASAINS!! (with one brother thrown in for good measure). The Jets were all played by white fellows but they were a bit stiff. During some of their dance numbers I couldn’t help but think of the Thriller video. Throughout the entire preformance I’m thinking this is more a turf war between the Yakuza and a gang of goofy zombies. The good: Maria was stunning and her voice was lovely, really lovely. Unfortunately, Tony was paunchy and off key.

All in all, I had great time with the oldies watching an American classic unfold under the stars on a chilly summer evening. Thank you Woodminster Players! I’ll take an evening with you over an evening of “Hey Paula” any day.