Students Interview Star and Choreographer of West Side Story

The Backstage Chicago Crew traveled on Wednesday to watch the musical production of West Side Story at the Paramount Theatre. Both Tony, played by Will Skrip, and the choreographer of West Side Story, William Carlos Angulo, made a special visit to St. Benedict Preparatory School to speak to our Backstage Chicago students.

During the interview, William Carlos Angulo spoke about his parents’ Latino immigrant story and how this contributed to his interest in choreographing the production.  He described the challenges of finding dancers of color, who make-up roughly 2% of the acting population and his determination to find the very best to play these roles. 

The Backstage Chicago students asked how actors are prepared for the rigors of the stage.  According to Angulo, most people believe that the characters have to 1) act, 2) sing, and 3) dance.  However, the fourth important element is being in top physical condition. According to Angulo, if he had the money, he would send everybody to boot camp to ensure that all were on the same page in terms of physical preparation as well as to prevent injury.

The students, who had watched the dance choreography of the movie production of West Side Story, noted the differences in the play such as the placement of the music for Officer Krupke.  In the movie, this scene takes place earlier and has more of a light-hearted tone. In the play, however, Angulo noted that both the director and he envisioned this scene as psychologically and emotionally intense as the characters struggle to cope with the realities of their lives and the murder of their friend Riff, the leader of the Jets.  It is a dramatic and spectacular performance that involved collaboration with lighting,  choreography , and singing to produce a stunning effect.

Will Skrip, who played the starring role of Tony, grew up in California and attended Northwestern.  Prior to college he was involved in theater.  His first high school production was Into the Woods and during that time he began his voice training.  After graduating from Northwestern, he soon became a resident of Chicago and has worked in a variety of musicals: Mary Poppins (Paramount), Carousel (Lyric Opera), Shrek (Chicago Shakespeare), Les Miserables (Drury Lane)-to name a few.

When asked how Skrip deals with the challenges of learning lines, music, and dance routines, he replied that he comes to the first day of rehearsal prepared with his lines and music already memorized.  In addition, Skrip commented that he also does not come with a preconceived notion and is a blank slate in terms of how to perform the pieces.

We are very grateful for the opportunity to discuss various aspects of West Side Story with Mr. Angulo and Mr. Skrip. Best wishes on future performances!