Seizing the moment: Drew freshman stars as Maria in West Side Story at MPAC

Scott McCreary (Tony) and Alessandra Le Pera (Maria) in MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Scott McCreary (Tony) and Alessandra Le Pera (Maria) in MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
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One of the most thrilling scenes in West Side Story , which runs through Sunday, June 4, 2017, at Morristown’s Mayo Performing Arts Center, comes near the end of Act I.

All hell is about to break loose between the Jets and Sharks, and the tension ratchets up in a swirling cacophony of sound as both gangs and the three main characters–Anita and star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria– sing over, under and around each other.

How does a singer stay focused amidst all that glorious chaos?

Alessandra Le Pera, after opening night as Maria in the MPAC production of 'West Side Story.' Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Alessandra Le Pera, after opening night as Maria in the MPAC production of ‘West Side Story.’ Photo by Kevin Coughlin

“My mind is only on what Maria is thinking,” said Alessandra Le Pera, a Drew University freshman playing the role made famous in film by Natalie Wood and on Broadway by Carol Lawrence. 

Of course, Le Pera added, “You have to listen at the same time.”

Pretty poised, for someone who is just 19.  The role of Maria requires a pure voice, a little dancing, a passable Spanish accent, and a sweetness that contrasts with the violent, gritty streets of New York circa 1957. 

Le Pera was up to the challenge in Friday’s opener, which was received enthusiastically by a large crowd. 

(The accent worked, even though the actress said her heritage is Italian, not Hispanic.)

Her theatrical career at Villa Walsh Academy–where she played the tomboy Anybodys in a school production of West Side Story–taught her how to focus. She steps into the dressing room as herself,  “and then I become someone else.”

Director Cathy Roy has done an impressive job with a cast comprised mostly of students from MPAC and area high schools for West Side Story, the theater’s fifth annual spring production. Two Equity guest actors–Scott McCreary as Tony and Lauren Csete as Anita–have upped everyone’s game.

“In high school, you’re working next to people on your level. It’s very different than working next to professionals,” Le Pera said.

“Every time, you give them everything, and they give you everything. They’re in the moment. That means everything. You’re in your own little world. You have to be completely concentrated in that character.”

‘West Side Story’ at MPAC, slideshow photos by Kevin Coughlin

Scott McCreary (Tony) and Alessandra Le Pera (Maria) in MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Maria (Alessandra Le Pera) and Anita (Lauren Csete) in MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
The Jets: Christian Harvey as Action, second from right, in MPAC production of West Side Story, June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Riff (Jeff Lawless) and Tony (Scott McCreary) in MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Bernardo and Anita in MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Maria (Alessandra Le Pera) and Tony (Scott McCreary) in MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Scott McCreary as Tony in MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Christian Harvey, lower right, in MPAC production of West Side Story, June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
'America' dance in MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Anybodys in MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Rachel Levy in MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Nile Birch and friend in MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Christian Harvey, left, in MPAC production of West Side Story, June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Anybodys rescues Tony from scene of crime in MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Riff gets cut in MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
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She will have to concentrate on Maria, an emotionally draining part, for four performances in less than 48 hours. She plans to nap on a dressing room couch between Saturday shows, eat wisely and drink lots of water.

For each show, Le Pera must wipe her emotional slate clean.

“The thing about acting is you have to make it seem like the first time it’s happening, every time,” said the Florham Park resident. “When your brother dies [in the show], it is the first time for Maria.”

Le Pera is determined to put her own stamp on the role. Natalie Wood was wonderful in the 1961 movie, radiating innocence, she said. On Friday, Le Pera aimed to sharpen a sense of lost innocence, as the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet unfolded amidst warring Anglo and Puerto Rican toughs.

Afterward, Le Pera was pleased.

'I FEEL PRETTY!' Maria (Alessandra Le Pera) and Anita (Lauren Csete) in MPAC production of 'West Side Story,' June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
‘I FEEL PRETTY!’ Maria (Alessandra Le Pera) and Anita (Lauren Csete) in MPAC production of ‘West Side Story,’ June 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Despite a couple of technical issues, “the cast all came together. That’s the beauty of live theater. Things happen. It’s the way you fix it, how you try to keep things moving” that counts, Le Pera said.

The message, that counts most.  That’s where the lost innocence comes in.

“This show, people think it’s just a love story. This is one of the last things it is,” Le Pera said.

“We as humans tend to hate each other, for small reasons.  It’s this utopian idea, what would it be like if we stopped for a minute, if we learned to love one an other and respect each other?”

Note: If you’re going to West Side Story, don’t bolt at the final curtain. You’ll miss something special if you do.

MORE ABOUT ‘WEST SIDE STORY’

West Side Story, at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, Friday, June 2, 2017, at 7:30 pm; Saturday, June 3, at 2 pm and 7:30 pm; and Sunday, June 4, at 2 pm. Tickets: $20-25. At 100 South St., Morristown, 973-539-8008.

 

 

 

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