Essay, Research Paper: West Side Story

West Side Story
During my vacation in North Woodstock, New Hampshire, my two friends and
I came across The Papermill Theater. An old run down mill, turned into a theater, with
lots of history. We all decided to attend the play , West Side Story, hoping it would be
a good experience.
As we entered the theater my eyes swayed from left to right taking in all the
history of the building. I saw old ceilings and walls with different mill machines with
in them. I came across the old set up of the building consisting of a rundown stage
with many scene props and dusty old chairs. These chairs really stood out, they were
all differently designed and all different types. Some were folding chairs while others
were cushion movie like chairs.
As the three of us discovered our seats we noticed how popular the show really
is, as a matter of fact all 100 seats ended up being filled. After everyone was seated I
took out my program booklets and began to read about the backgrounds of the actors
and actresses. I discovered that they were all professional actors and actresses and had
produced three well-liked plays already this summer. These plays were “Anything
Goes”, “She Loves Me”, and of course “West Side Story”. As I continued to read I also
cited the pictures and the descriptions of every actor. I became very anxious to see
what was to come of this production.
The lights finally went out and I was instantly enthralled with the cast and plot.
The play focused around the two gangs, the Jets and the Sharks(the Puerto Ricans).
They continued on to identify the hostility of these two gangs through song dance and
of course acting. Every scene change was not a done with a curtain, but rather a
spotlight. This technique I enjoyed and found very intriguing to watch.
As the actors toured me through the play act by act I enjoyed it more and more.
I even felt suspense while the fights went on and the couples fell in love. By the end of
the play I was so caught up in the moment that I felt the tears of sadness as I wept for
the awful death of Tony and how much sadness it brought to not only Maria, but also
the other gangs too. In fact both gangs felt so much sadness that they all assisted the
carrying off of Tony to his grave. At that moment I knew Tony’s death resulted in
peace between both gangs. The play was a tragedy, but did have a rather positive
ending in one way.
This production was such a wonderful experience for me that I would totally
consider going back to see another one and more. I give much credit to every actor for
the absolutely wonderful job they did in the play. They made it so real for the
audience. I praise the Mainstage Acting Company on what a terrific performance they
held.


Word Count: 502