The Sharks vs. the Jets on IUSB turf

The Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts at IU South Bend is getting ready for opening night of West Side Story. The show is being directed in a way that questions the traditional and outmoded notion of the "American."

"Most West Side Story productions are about Puerto Ricans vs. white Americans," said stage manager Kyle Techentin. "Our director, Phoebe Hall, wants the audience to leave asking themselves ‘"what does it mean to be American?"'

Hall is a guest director form Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, North Carolina where she is a director of theatre. She is currently travelling for Fayetteville to South Bend to direct the IUSB show as well as teach at FSU. Hall has been a professional actress for over 26 years and has directed more than 40 shows.

"I was put in charge of taking [Hall's] ideas and keeping her vision of the show," said Techentin. "The biggest joy I get as stage manager is working with the actors."

Among many other stage-managing tasks, Techentin is working with Zack Hickle, the actor who plays the lead role of Tony (the co-founder of the Jets). Hickle is a theatre major and senior at IUSB.

"Tony is my first lead romantic role. In the past I have been the supporting actor and comic relief type character," said Hickle. "Tony is definitely a big challenge for me."

In the wake of last year's performance of the musical Godspell, West Side Story will be the second musical that IUSB has preformed in many years. Dean of Arts Marvin Curtis and dance instructors from IUSB's dance program are stepping in to help out with some of the most important aspects of a musical: choreographed dance and music.

"We have elements of jazz, modern, ballet, flamenco, Latin dance and some hints of Middle Eastern," said Hickle.

IUSB dance faculty Karen Pajor, Lisa Marci, Carolyn Hine-Johnson, Halana Hattery, Ruby Jazayre, David Seymour and Vladimir Sorokin are choreographing the production.

The music and dance steps of West Side Story are combined with the acting talent of many IUSB students to create a convincing performance and overall production. Theatre major Victor Kamwendo plays the lead role of Bernardo (the leader of the Sharks).

"I'm excited about the fight scene," said Kamwendo. "It requires a lot of movement and action and it challenges us to bring our characters to life. You have to make it look real; you have to make it feel like a part that is going to change the play. It is the climax."

Other lead rolls and members of the production crew are Ashley Goodson as Maria, Ryan Hafron as Riff, set design by Inseung Park, lighting and sound design by Timothy Hanson, costume construction by Jennifer Fry, and guest costume designer Yuri Cataldo.