Under the direction of Sally Lintott, Saltus Grammar School students came up trumps with a highly professional production of West Side Story.

From the moment the audience entered the auditorium the scene was set with stylised and dramatic backdrop.

Smoke drifted into the auditorium and as the band played that overture a film comprising juxtaposed images of students on location heightened the dramatic tension.

Kalilah Robinson at the helm of the speedboat and Robert Lee being handcuffed and thrust into a Police car were memorable. We knew from the outset that we were in for a treat.

"West Side Story'' is without a doubt one of the most complicated musical pieces.

Lisa Maule's unique ability to guide the band with such skill was such that one member of the audience inquired whether it had been flown in from London's West End.

The students were able to match the style of the musicians and their talent should be highly commended.

The sheer brilliance of Fiona Lee's voice as she portrayed Maria was spell binding; Machel Charles and the Jets delighted the audience with their hilarious rendition of Officer Krupke and the Kawaley-Lathans, both Katrina and Adrian should be congratulated for their vocal ability.

We all know that story -- two young lovers taken from Verona and put on the violent streets of New York where they are doomed by social conditions that they cannot control.

But the set pieces were slick and kept the audience enthralled -- Stephanie Smellie's brutal attack upon Matthew Wissing was compelling to watch, Barbara Frith's choreography of the Dance at the Gym was dynamic and Eli Lipschultz and Kitwana Williams moved with real style.

The acting clearly demonstrated the students' maturity and understanding of theatrical conventions and there was no weak link in the cast; they were all well rehearsed and professional.

Peter Martin and Kieran Bradshaw were convincing gang leaders and Rocco Schiralli's portrayal of Big Deal was highly entertaining.

When the play came to an end and the cycle of violence was broken by Maria's emotional appeal, the auditorium was still.

Only when the tumultuous applause brought the roof down did the actors smile and it was clear for all to see that the whole cast (some 50 students ranging from one to Saltus Graduate Year) had thoroughly enjoyed performing this classical musical.

Sally Lintott was told she was mad to attempt such a complex piece of theatre, but she was quite right in assuming that the students would meet the challenge and produce a theatrical sensation.

CONTRIBUTED Rave review: The Jets and the Sharks rumbled at Saltus Grammar School as students performed West Side Story. The audience was amazed by the level of professionalism the students showed.

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