FOR some West Side Story is the greatest musical of all time. I would find it hard to disagree. The original elements were blended by masters
in their respective crafts and the music, the choreography, the tragedy and the spirit is still as potent today.
West Side Story is currently running at the King's with performances until June 13. Not only is this an opportunity to hear the Leonard Bernstein music and Stephen Sondheim lyrics but it is a chance to see Jerome Robbins's original direction of the show and the award-winning choreography which caused such a sensation when it first opened.
For those unfortunates who have not experienced West Side Story is a tale based on Shakespeare's tragic tale of doomed love, Romeo and Juliet.
In the midst of sometimes bloody gang warfare between the Jets and the Sharks in New York, Tony and Maria fall in love. But they were born in opposing territories, meaning their love would never be accepted by either side. Songs such as Tonight and Maria tell of their longing, showstoppers such as America show the edge and the spirit of the ghetto with young immigrants trying to find their place in the land of their dreams.
When West Side Story finishes its Glasgow run it transfers to West End, so this is the last chance to see it before a tickets requires a second mortgage.
Contact 0141 287 5511 for details and tickets.
Those with a eye for dance should pirouette along to the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow from tonight to Saturday when Scottish Ballet presents a programme of Cool Classics. Combing two new specially commissioned works with a revival of a well-loved piece, the evening promises to crackle along with electrifying choreography.
One of the fresh pieces, performed to classic jazz, Just Scratchin' The Surface is by Adam Cooper, seen recently in Tales of Hoffman. Each piece has its own individual feel with a new work by Sheridan Nicol, Faerie Feet, danced to music by folk band the Peat Bog Faeries; and Five Ruckert Songs, created in 1978 by Peter Darrell performed to Gustav Mahler. A delicious selection for aficionados and a tremendous starting point for dance beginners. Tickets from 0141 429 0022.
Those who like their performances to rock need to do nothing more than get on board with
Gulliver's Travels until Sunday, June 7. Britain's only touring theatre ship Walk the Plank will be moored by the Finnieston Crane next to SECC to perform Swift's classic tale. The company makes full use of the ship, turning the performance into more of an experience. There are shows nightly until Sunday and weekend matinees, with the recommendation that the show is suitable for everyone over the age of seven. Details and tickets from 0141 287 5511.
For all those party poopers complaining about a few measly weeks of football, the ideal show is at the Tron this Sunday, June 7. 101 Great Moments in Scottish Sport does not look ahead to the fact that Brazil will only give Scotland a minor gubbing next Wednesday, it tells with great relish the tale of Bob Doolally, the nearly man of Scottish football. Starring Vladimir McTavish, it celebrates everything that is great about the Scottish game: the fights, the benders, the scandals and the ''character'' players. Thank heavens Gary Lineker wasn't Scottish, the show would be finished before half time. Tickets from 0141 552 4267.
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