**Gregorio Villagrana and Catherine Casas in ‘West Side Story’ at St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy. (Photo courtesy Johnathan Sims.)**

In March, the Arts Collective at St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy (PMA) in Downey presented the landmark Tony Award-winning Broadway musical West Side Story (1957). Originally conceived, directed, and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents, it is a masterpiece of American musical theatre.

The first film adaptation of West Side Story (1961) won the Academy Award for Best Picture, along with Best Director for Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, and ten additional Oscars. The American Film Institute ranks the film No. 2 on its list of the 100 greatest movie musicals. It is one of my favorites.

When I was a school administrator at LACHSA, I was invited to bring a group of my film students to AFI for a private screening of West Side Story with director Robert Wise. It was a memorable and informative experience. As a public school teacher working with abused, abandoned, and neglected students, I taught West Side Story alongside Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, from which it was inspired.

Steven Spielberg directed the 2021 film adaptation, written by one of our greatest playwrights, Tony Kushner. It won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Rita Moreno, who also appeared in the original 1961 film.

The Arts Collective’s West Side Story is produced and directed by Performing Arts Director Jonathan Sims. Sims holds a master’s degree in acting and brings decades of theatre experience. He joined PMA in 2023.

The Arts Collective’s logo incorporates the words “Empathy, Community, Truth.” Sims’ director’s notes are simple: “To a better world. For us. For our children.” These are themes that unfold throughout the production.

From the opening notes of music director Andres Fierro’s student orchestra in the Prologue, to the finger snapping of the Jets and the Sharks, Jennifer Aguirre’s choreography uses every inch of the small stage to emphasize tension between the groups. Wendell Carmichael’s costumes feature black leather jackets contrasted with colorful dresses, and technical director Jeffrey Porter’s LED backgrounds shift continuously, designed by students. From the start, it is clear we are in for something special.

These are not professional actors, singers, dancers, or technicians, but students learning their craft. Still, it is impressive how well they work together.

Set in a 1950s Upper West Side neighborhood in New York City slated for redevelopment, the story follows two teenage street gangs battling for control of their turf: the white Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. The backdrop is one of systemic racism and poverty.

Law enforcement shows racist contempt for the Sharks, while also dismissing the Jets as slum trash, warning both groups to settle down.

The principal characters include Tony (a former Jet), Maria (sister of Shark leader Bernardo), Riff (leader of the Jets), and Anita (Bernardo’s girlfriend).

Gregorio Villagrana shows strong potential in his first major role as Tony, the romantic and idealistic former Jet.

Catherine Casas, also in her first major role, is well cast as Maria, the innocent and hopeful sister of Bernardo.

Keoni Peña is effective as Riff, the aggressive leader of the Jets and Tony’s best friend.

Jheylen De Leon is compelling as Anita, bringing a presence that suits the passionate and pragmatic character.

Leonardo Gonzales-Muñoz is convincing as the hesitant and uncertain Chino.

Djobi Rodriguez, as Francisca, delivers a memorable performance of “Somewhere.”

Diego Hernandez stands out in the comic relief of “Gee, Officer Krupke.”

The plot centers on Tony and Maria falling in love at first sight at a dance, despite the intense rivalry between their gangs. Their forbidden romance collides with rising violence, culminating in a rumble to determine territory.

At the rumble, Bernardo and Diesel begin to fight. Tony tries to intervene, but Bernardo ridicules him and becomes enraged upon learning of Tony’s love for Maria. Riff steps in when Bernardo attacks Tony. The two draw switchblades and fight. Tony attempts to separate them but unintentionally enables Bernardo to fatally stab Riff. In a moment of rage, Tony kills Bernardo, and an all-out fight erupts.

Seeking revenge, Chino shoots Tony. Maria confronts both gangs, shaming them for their hate-driven violence. In the end, the rival groups unite in grief as they carry Tony’s body away.

Dramatically, the LED background scrolls the lyrics of “Somewhere”:

“There’s a place for us
Somewhere a place for us
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us
Somewhere
There’s a time for us
A time and place for us
Somehow, someday, somewhere …”

Song highlights that were especially impressive for these young performers include:

Act 1
“Jet Song” – Riff and the Jets
“Maria” – Tony
“Tonight” – Tony and Maria
“America” – Bernardo, Anita, and the Sharks
“Cool” – Riff and the Jets
“One Hand, One Heart” – Tony and Maria

Act 2
“Somewhere” (Ballet) – Tony, Maria, Jets, Sharks
“Somewhere” – Francisca
“Gee, Officer Krupke” – Action and the Jets
“A Boy Like That/I Have Love” – Anita and Maria

With a cast of 30 and a crew of 32, there is much to admire in this ambitious production. The musical remains as relevant today as when it first opened. The backstage orchestra was excellent. The crew was polished. The ensemble was connected and engaged. They connected with the audience. They had internalized the story. They were energetic storytellers, alive on stage and attentive to one another.

The choreography and movement were creative, and the ballet scene was particularly striking and unique. The dance ensemble was a strong addition.

Perhaps most impressive is the opportunity and experience the production provided for both the students and the audience, which responded generously with applause.

It was also a shared communal experience. In the end, we all experienced empathy, community, and truth.

Young performers bring fresh life to 'West Side Story' at PMA