Love’s guiding light: West Side Story comes to Canberra

Posted on 2 October, 2019

It might have premiered on Broadway in 1957, but is West Side Story—with its messages of tolerance—the perfect musical for our time?

The story of rival gangs the Jets and the Sharks is synonymous with snapping fingers and hot New York City nights in a bygone age.

But the messages of West Side Story are every bit as relevant today, as audiences will discover when the production plays at Canberra Theatre Centre from 10-27 October.

Set against the backdrop of racially-charged 1950s New York City, where Anglo and Puerto Rican gangs bicker over territory, the fated story of Tony and Maria has become as iconic a narrative as their inspiration—Romeo and Juliet.

However, the story of how Opera Australia’s Sophie Salvesani came to play the role of Maria is slightly less by the book. Despite landing one of the most coveted roles in musical theatre, Sophie wasn’t in Broadway bootcamp from childhood. Originally from rural Queensland, she only started singing at age 12 out of necessity.

“I guess I’ve taken a path that’s not well travelled,” says Sophie from her hotel room in Sydney, where West Side Story is currently playing at the Sydney Opera House.

“I was doing my first flute exam and there was a singing component. My teacher was listening in and she turned around to my mum and asked if she could give me singing lessons.”

Sophie Salvesani (Maria) and Todd Jacobsson (Tony) in rehearsal. Credit: Keith Saunders.

Thankfully, Sophie’s mum said ‘yes’, with the talented teen later switching to classical training. But Sophie didn’t pursue a career in the performing arts, instead opting to study teaching at university. She was in her third year as a Primary School teacher in Ipswich and performing in community theatre when she decided to take a leap of faith.

“I was fortunate enough to get into [Sydney’s] Pacific Opera so I was flying back and forth [from Queensland] and then saw an audition notice for West Side Story.”

Sophie has now toured Australia, New Zealand and Germany as Maria, but she’s the first to admit that diving headfirst into such an iconic role hasn’t been without its challenges.

“Honestly, [Maria] is such a challenging character, but in saying that, for it to be my first role is just a dream come true.”

Sophie says that her biggest hurdle is navigating Maria’s “rollercoaster” of an emotional journey.

“As an actor, it’s challenging to make that realistic and believable for the audience every night,” she explains. “[Maria] goes from being such a young, innocent, naïve girl to experiencing extreme grief…[it’s] a challenge, but in saying that it’s something I look forward to every single night.”

Credit: Jeff Busby.

In the age of Netflix series and multi-million-dollar blockbusters, you’d be forgiven for thinking a musical set in the 1950s might appear a little aged. But take another look at how West Side Story pits love against bigotry and division and you’ll realise it’s more relatable than ever.

“Unfortunately, West Side Story is probably more relevant than when the show first opened,” says Sophie.

“The elements of hate and racism are still things we’re dealing with in society today. You just turn on the news in the morning and there’s always two groups not getting along—religious groups, people with differing political opinions, we’re still dealing with those issues.”

So is West Side Story a fitting musical for our times, with its messages of tolerance and acceptance?

“Definitely,” agrees Sophie. “I think there’s a real lesson in the show. It’s the same as Romeo and Juliet in that nothing good ever comes out of hate and violence.”

“It’s the lesson that there’s no reason why we should hate each other—love is like a guiding light, the only thing that can overcome such adversity.”

the essentials

What: West Side Story
When: 10-27 October
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre
More information: canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/west-side-story

This editorial was developed in partnership with Canberra Theatre Centre. For more information on partnerships, click here.