West Side Story returns to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour
<p>Get ready to snap your fingers, tap your toes and experience the magic of Broadway in Sydney as Opera Australia presents t<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">he electrifying musical extravaganza <em>West Side Story</em> â making its triumphant return to the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage in 2024.</span></p>
<p>The 2019 production of <em>West Side Story</em>, if you were fortunate enough to grab seats, was an absolute smash hit. With record-breaking ticket sales and rave reviews, it's no wonder this show stole the hearts of over 65,000 theatre and musical buffs. </p>
<p>Directed by the incomparable Francesca Zambello, <em>West Side Story</em> promises to once again whisk audiences away to the bustling streets of New York City, complete with iconic songs, heart-pounding dance numbers, and enough drama to fill the harbour twice over. </p>
<p>Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's musical masterpiece will once again take centre stage, accompanied by Jerome Robbins' legendary choreography â and this year, we were fortunate enough to be able to pose a few pre-performance questions to none other than Guy Simpson, the showâs musical director, and the all-singing, all-dancing Wayne Scott Kermond, who is playing âDocâ onstage.</p>
<p>Letâs raise the curtain and see what they have to say!</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/03/Guy-Simpson.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>Guy Simpson</strong></p>
<p>Guy Simpson, a seasoned musical director with nearly 45 years of experience, boasts an illustrious career spanning global productions. Notably, his involvement with iconic shows like <em>Miss Saigon</em> and <em>The Phantom</em> <em>of the Opera</em> has taken him across continents, from Australia to Asia and beyond. Simpson's extensive repertoire includes serving as Musical Supervisor and Director for Opera Australia's acclaimed productions such as <em>Evita</em>, <em>My Fair Lady</em>, and of course <em>West Side Story</em>. Additionally, his contributions as an orchestrator and producer of cast recordings further solidify his stature in the musical theatre realm. With credits ranging from beloved classics like <em>Les MisĂŠrables</em> to contemporary hits like <em>Muriel's Wedding</em>, Simpson's versatile talent continues to enrich the world of musical theatre on an international scale.</p>
<p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> What memories do you have of your first time working on <em>West Side Story</em> â when was it and what was the experience like? </p>
<p><em><strong>Guy:</strong></em> âI was a rehearsal pianist for the 1983 production of <em>West Side Story</em>. The conductor was Dobbs Franks, who came from the US to conduct the first production of the show in 1960. So I was lucky to learn the show from him. I wasnât in the orchestra and had tickets to watch opening night but during the afternoon of that day I received a call to play in the orchestra that night because the pianist was unwell. Iâll never forget that! Since then I have conducted three seasons of the show and learn more and more about it each time.â</p>
<p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> What were Bernsteinâs influences and what impact did Bernsteinâs score have when the musical first premiered? And why do you think it remains so recognised today? </p>
<p><em><strong>Guy:</strong></em> âBernstein was influenced by many things. There is an <a href="https://www.wrti.org/arts-desk/2018-08-23/the-surprising-backstory-to-west-side-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener">excellent article by Debra Lew Harder</a> that outlines these influences. I love the combination of Jewish themes, Puerto Rican rhythm, Mexican dance music and of course American jazz. His classical roots also come in here â especially the music of Aaron Copland and George Gershwin. The genius is Bernstein's ability to blend all this into a score that tells the story so brilliantly."</p>
<p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> Whatâs your favourite moment in the music that audiences might not always notice but could listen out for?</p>
<p><em><strong>Guy:</strong></em> I like what is known as âTHE BALCONY SCENEâ. Most people will know it as the iconic love duet âTONIGHTâ. In the show this scene moves between spoken dialogue (with underscoring), into the song and back into dialogue in a wonderfully cohesive way. It is so well crafted and is quite a challenge for the conductor to fit the music with the dialogue in a seamless way. I also love the scene in the bridal shop that includes the song âONE HAND ONE HEARTâ.</p>
<p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/03/Wayne-Scott-Kermond-as-Doc.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p>
<p><strong>Wayne Scott Kermond</strong></p>
<p>Wayne Scott Kermond, hailing from a rich lineage of Australian Vaudeville performers, epitomises the essence of musical theatre, comedy and cabaret. With a repertoire spanning from <em>Anything Goes</em> to <em>Hairspray</em>, including acclaimed performances in several productions of<em> West Side Story</em>, Kermond's versatility shines through. Additionally, he's showcased his creative prowess as the creator and star of captivating cabaret shows such as <em>Candy Man</em> and <em>Jive Junkys</em>. Beyond the stage, Kermond's talents extend to film, where he's contributed to projects like <em>Happy Feet 1 & 2</em>, and as a respected scriptwriter and director for various musicals, cabarets and corporate events. With accolades including a Green Room Award and Mo Award, alongside nominations for Helpmann Awards, Kermond's exceptional abilities and esteemed showbiz heritage solidify his status as an extraordinary Australian talent.</p>
<p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> You and Guy first worked on this musical 40 years ago, how does it feel to be coming back together on the Handa Opera version?</p>
<p><em><strong>Wayne:</strong></em> âI first performed in <em>West Side Story</em> at the old Her Majestyâs Theatre (Sydney), 40 years ago playing the youngest member of the Jets gang, âBaby Johnâ, and then again in another fabulous production touring Australia / New Zealand in the mid-nineties playing Arab. And so it was lovely to be reminded by Guy on the first day of rehearsals for this season how special it is to us both, here we are, doing it again, just a little greyer."</p>
<p>âWe shared a few laughs about âwhere did that time go?â, and how âyoungâ we still look after all these years. Itâs so great to work with Guy again, I think the last show we did together was <em>Chicago</em>, back in the late nineties. So with Guy's huge amount of expertise and experience at the helm as our Musical Director the show is in great hands. Wait till you hear the amazing Orchestra.â</p>
<p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> What about this musicalâs story, lyrics, etc resonate with you and why do you think it keeps being seen on stage? Can it appeal to all ages?</p>
<p><em><strong>Wayne:</strong></em> â<em>West Side Story</em> is as iconic to music theatre as <em>Swan Lake</em> is to ballet. All great musicals such as <em>West Side</em> have to have a great love story; <em>West Side </em>certainly has that. And to add to that, also an incredible score, dynamic original choreography and a beautifully written book makes it a triple threat. That's why it stands the test of time â it's an inter-generational piece, whose story and message still stands today, which is the reason why Iâm now getting the opportunity to play an adult character âDocâ in this OA production 40 years later, as it will be for another artist, in another 40 years' time.â</p>
<p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> Whatâs your favourite moment in the show and why?</p>
<p><em><strong>Wayne:</strong></em> It is very difficult to say there is a favourite moment as there are so many. The whole journey of the show is something everyone who loves theatre should experience. The Prologue, Dance at the Gym, America, Cool, Tonight, Something's Comin, and not forgetting the Quintet powerhouse... Every part of this show is special, whether you're seeing the show for the first time or for the tenth time, itâs exhilarating, poignant and moving."</p>
<p>âItâs especially wonderful for me to have been given the opportunity to revisit the show, after all these years later as a performer. And itâs very exciting to watch another generation of performers being given the opportunity to experience such an exceptional piece of theatre.â</p>
<p>So, mark your calendars, Sydney-siders, because Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is about to serve up a theatrical experience like no other. With world-class performances, breathtaking views of the harbour, and enough fireworks to make New Year's Eve jealous, this is one event you won't want to miss. </p>
<p>So grab your tickets, grab your friends, and get ready to experience the magic of <em>West Side Story </em>like never before. See you at the opera!</p>
<p>For more information and ticket sales, check out <a href="https://opera.org.au/productions/west-side-story-on-sydney-harbour/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opera.org.au/harbour</a></p>
<p><em>All images: Supplied</em></p>
