Bob Richards

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I used to hate Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim's "West Side Story". My only exposure was the movie and I found the story flat and unconvincing. I mean, an entire song just repeating her name? Geeze, learn how to write a lyric. But then a touring production came through town and they got it. They understood what they were singing about and knew how to convey it. And then I got it too. He only needs the one word because it's all he wants to hear. And I fell in love with the show but only when it's done well. Since then I've seen many productions of varying levels of quality. Now comes the current production from the 5th Avenue Theatre and Spectrum Dance Theatre and while it has some moments and some good dance sequences thanks to choreographer Bob Richards who did his darnedest to reproduce the original Jerome Robbins choreography, it lacks the ability to convey the story and the love thanks to some lackluster lead performances and staging and intent from director Bill Berry that just didn't get it.

West Side StoryThe Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is presenting West Side Story now through April 16. Click below to watch highlights from the show!

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is presenting West Side Story now through April 16. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is excited to present West Side Story, April 4-16.

SHOWCASE OF THE STARS- FEATURED ARTIST PERFORMERS: Amina Baraka, Bob Richards, Carol Erickson, Elizabeth Kelleher, Hadren Simmons, Jean Avery, Kyle Coles, Lluana Jones, Nadra, Phyllis Blanford Rosalind Grant, Shirl Alston

SHOWCASE OF THE STARS- FEATURED ARTIST PERFORMERS: Amina Baraka, Bob Richards, Carol Erickson, Elizabeth Kelleher, Hadren Simmons, Jean Avery, Kyle Coles, Lluana Jones, Nadra, Phyllis Blanford Rosalind Grant, Shirl Alston