West Side Story, the most famous music hall in Broadway history, returns to the stage at the Théâtre du Châtelet with new costumes, new sets and 31 supercharged artists ready to perform. unstitch. But what is this umpteenth adaptation of the impossible love between the idealist Tony and the beautiful Maria really worth?

You know the song. Two rival families, love at first sight, a balcony scene, thwarted love and an equally dramatic final outcome. In short, zero surprises, no false note to deplore... but isn't that exactly what we expected from this testosterone-infused show, run at full speed for two and a half hours?

Set in the Upper West Side of the 1950s, it is clear that this modern reinterpretation of Romeo and Juliet has not aged a single bit since its creation in 1957. Faithful to the original, this adaptation directed by Lonny Prince follows its big sister to the letter. The scenes follow one another at a frantic pace, the precise choreographies defy gravity many times, while we follow the violent rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, whose Clashes unfortunately make the union of our two lovebirds impossible.

Beyond its music and its score, the real strength of this adaptation lies in its five-star casting with the moving Jadon Wesbter (Tony) whose interpretation contrasts with that of his more muscular comrades in marcel, open shirt and skinny jeans. Despite his imposing build, let's say it, the actor shows a disconcerting gentleness in front of the luminous Mélanie Sierra (Maria) who dares to break away from the slightly too smooth image of the young girl model. The actress with the voice of a histrionic angel plays the clown and conveys an irresistibly infectious joie de vivre throughout the show. It is to these two headliners that we undoubtedly owe the most beautiful performance of this evening: Tonight.

This version, however, would not be quite the same without the freshness of Kyra Sorce, the irresistible Anita, whose volcanic interpretation would almost eclipse her playing partner. And what about Taylor Harley (Riff), the charismatic leader at the angelic face and insolent beauty of the Jets, or of Anthony J. Gasbarre (Action Boy), the thick brute with a fiery temperament who radiates with his presence the funny Gee, Officer Krupke. A single downside: the absence of boys on the extremely famous America, treated here from an exclusively feminine angle. A very small regret which will in no way erase the feverish and furiously free spirit of the adaptation, timeless like any masterpiece that should be.

THÉÂTRE DU CHÂTELET, 75001
From October 20 to December 31, 2023
From 15 to 120 €