by Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein & Stephen Sondheim
Signature Theatre, 2016
Director: Matthew Gardiner; Choreographer: Parker Esse; Scenic Design: Misha Kachman; Costume Design: Frank Labovitz; Lighting Design: Jason Lyons; Sound Design: Lane Elms
"The maturity with which Gardiner conducts his “West Side Story” confirms an impression of his abilities with classic musicals that has been rising with each of his recent productions... Now, there’s this marvelous “West Side Story” on his résumé and in our midst, leaving an audience all at once sated — and hungry for what he does next."- Peter Marks, The Washington Post
"Gardiner’s production is a standout: It engages you in a way that standard proscenium productions of West Side Story can’t. If this doesn’t become your favorite production of West Side Story, I would love to know where you saw it staged better."- Doug Rule, Metro Weekly
“The audacity and depth of "West Side Story" are forcefully reiterated in an up-close revival playing to packed houses at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va… I don't expect to encounter such an affecting, visceral staging of this 1957 musical anytime soon… Signature's associate artistic director, Matthew Gardiner, guides the production in sure, telling fashion; his expert pacing assures maximum effect for the emotional peaks, as well as the welcome comic relief. There's an organic flow to the staging, with every move, subtle or bold, emerging naturally. One measure of Gardiner's incisive touch: Each member of the Jets and the Sharks is deftly defined, even those who barely get a line; no one ever blends into the ensemble. It's no small thing for a director to draw out details of personality the way Gardiner does here.”- Tim Smith, Baltimore Sun