Inside "West Side"

You’d think the middle of a pandemic would be the absolute worst time to open a theatre, but that’s exactly what North Star Theatre is doing. The formation of a new theatre company is always good news…especially now when live theatre is on a hiatus due to COVID-19. So, how exactly does North Star plan on inaugurating their company, and with such an ambitious production...WEST SIDE STORY?

I was a little dumbfounded (yes, moi!) when I heard the news. I mean…HOW?!

Well, the theatre company is taking a number of (I hate the word “protocols”…I’ve heard it too many times recently…let’s use “approaches.”)….the company is taking a number of approaches to address the risks of performing live theatre during a pandemic….risks, not only to the audience, but to the cast and crew.

Regarding audience safety, the performance space with be outdoor on Agua Caliente tribally controlled land, and the audience will remain in their cars after arriving at the performance space….rather reminiscent of a drive-in movie theatre. The production will also be staged in the round....I’m sure this approach is to insure that the audience members have unobstructed views.

(UPDATE: The theatre has just contacted me that they've shifted to a new opportunity in regards to land and they are in negotiations for a more developed space. An announcement with be forthcoming soon!)

This addresses any concerns the audience might have, but what of the safety of the performers and crew? That was my first question when I heard the news. I mean…knife fights, dancing….a social distancing love story? Maybe if it were a musical revue which could be staged as a concert, but we are talking WEST SIDE STORY here!

According to their press release, “Director, Shafik Wahhab, will use creative staging and specialized costuming to ensure the safety of the cast.” During a question and answer session on Facebook, Shaifik elaborated on the production’s concept…facial masks will be incorporated as part of the costuming concept, and the fighting/choreography will address social distancing.

In addition, North Star also sought actors who could socially isolate/quarantine during the entire production run. Rehearsals will be online until two weeks before opening. All actors must wear masks during those two weeks, and must also get tested. Temperatures will be checked throughout, and understudies will available to perform should any cast members become ill. Social distancing protocols (augh…I used that word!) will be honored throughout, along with additional precautions.

I wish North Star all the best; I’ve worked with many of the company and cast members, and I can assure you that there is great talent involved in taking on this daunting challenge And there is also great mindfulness in insuring the safety of the cast, crew and audience members.

Additional good news…according to James Owens, Co-Founder, North Star Theatre will remain an outdoor theatre long after the pandemic is over!

Huzzah!

More Information can be found on their website:

https://www.northstartheatre.org/