Katie Stewart and Hector Flores Jr., playing Anita and Bernardo in West Side Story.—Michael Catarevas photo
The music is timeless, the dancing legendary. But it is the tragic tale played out onstage that gives West Side Story it’s smoldering intensity.
And while Tony and Maria are the tragic, star-crossed lovers, it is Bernardo and Anita who ratchet up the musical into something extra special.
For the Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s (STONC) lead play this season, Hector Flores Jr. and Katie Stewart won the roles of Bernardo and Anita. The Advertiser spoke with both during a break in rehearsals this week. The play has two previews Wednesday and Thursday, July 6-7, then opens on Friday, July 8 for the first of 17 performances.
Hector Flores, Jr.
How familiar with WSS have you been?
I knew it very well. The movie came out a long time ago. I’m Puerto Rican, and my family and I have known it for a long time.
Have you ever been in West Side Story before?
This is my first time in the show.
What are your thoughts on playing Bernardo?
The role is very heavy, and I feel like I’m angry for most of the show, which is very strange for me because I’m a happy-go-lucky kind of person. Bernardo gets one scene where he gets to be a little goofy and funny with Anita, but for the most part he’s trying to protect his family, trying to protect himself and live the American dream.
What’s it like trying to become him, especially you having the same background?
My grandparents came here when they were kids. Their telling me their stories kind of influenced my portrayal of this role. It’s about coming from somewhere else and not knowing the language. Struggling, and trying to make ends meet when all the doors are slamming in your face. That’s really hard.
By coming in and playing opposite Katie and Julia [Paladino, who plays Maria], they make it easy to get into that place because their eyes are really honest and it’s easy to play off of.
Is the dancing tough?
We’re sweating our lives away here, but it’s great. It kicks your butt but it’s very well worth it. And then when you’re done and when you nail it you feel great.
What’s the knife scene like?
It’s intense. I’m actually very nervous, but it’s going to be great. When you’re on edge that’s a good thing. You should always have a little bit of butterflies.
Katie Stewart
How well did you know West Side Story before auditioning?
It is a classic, so I feel that as you get into musical theater, it’s the go-to for how a book musical should be. It’s so well done and put together, the songs, the way the storyline goes.
Have you ever been in WSS?
First time.
How did your audition go?
I came in just hoping to be part of the production. You always hope to be seen as a lead but it just worked its way out from there. They saw something that they wanted to see more of, so we went from there.
Are you excited to play Anita?
So excited!
I’m sure you’ve seen the movie.
Yes, and Chita Rivera, who was the original Anita on Broadway, has always been one of my idols. To be able to play a role she has is incredible.
Where are you from?
Originally from North Carolina, and been a New Yorker for a couple of years.
Where’s your southern accent?
They beat it out of you in theater school! You lose that southern accent real fast.
Your role as Anita is very emotional. How do you get yourself into it every performance?
We have been doing a lot of research into how the plot of the musical can still be relevant today. To current events. That helps to bring it into a feeling we can connect with. We have fantastic people to work off of here. Everyone on stage is very honest and open, and willing to go to that darker place when it’s time to, and then still give a hug afterwards and say, ‘Are you okay? We’re okay.’ It’s not easy but it’s been really nice to be with such open people who are willing to take that ride with you.
___________________
Tickets for West Side Story are available online at stonc.org. All seats are reserved.Prices are $25-60 with tables for two from $90 and tables for six from $240. Shows are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m.
The post Meet the actors giving STONC’s West Side Story its dramatics appeared first on New Canaan Advertiser.