By Rachel Galvin

On Jan. 14, Wick Theatre in Boca Raton introduced the classic West Side Story to a packed audience. The From a slow burn to a raucous rumble, the tale unfolded filled with smooth moves and high kicking action to punctuate the poetic dialogue until its tragic conclusion. If the dancing doesn’t keep you on your toes while watching, then the well-known melodies will warm your heart. The play has added value with its multi-purpose and mobile set pieces that offer just a hint of structure and let the personalities shine rather than be hidden by the window dressing.

The coquettish Maria (played by Mary Joanna Grisso) seems a little too childlike next to the strong-armed and much taller Tony (Thaddeus Pearson). But their tender moments ring true. Grisso steals the spotlight in every scene. Sydney Mei Ruf-Wong also does a fine job as Anita. But this really is an ensemble piece meant to be taken in as a whole with the choreography, by director/ choreographer Charles South and Ryan VanDenBoom, being the real star.

West Side Story runs until Feb. 26. For more information, visit www.thewick.org.

By Rachel Galvin

The Wick Theatre came to life with the magical classic “Peter Pan,” which opened Aug. 6 and runs through Aug. 23. Catch it this weekend before it flies away!

The musical “Peter Pan” has pirates and “Indians,” dogs and alligators and even that naughty fairy Tinkerbell, who is quite jealous it seems of Wendy (For those who do not know the classic tale, go watch and find out more about these colorful characters. It truly is fun for the whole family.) On August 8, adults were buying pixie dust wands of sorts that were sold in the lobby, turning on their lights during the performance, basically reliving childhood.

The show was filled with great choreography, especially when Tiger Lilly’s tribe hit the stage.

The greatest part of the show was the flying effects, courtesy of ZFX Flying. The scene where the children escape their home to go to Neverland with Peter Pan was absolutely a thrill as projections and harnesses helped them to appear as though they were flying across the skyline .

Shannon Mari Mills had quite the Broadway belt as Peter Pan, but it was Robin Haynes as Hook who really stole the show. His wit had the audience in stitches and he lit up the stage wherever he went. There were interactive moments where they both broke the fourth wall to get the audience engaged in the show.

After the show, guests were surprised when cast members, still in costume, came out to pose with them. As usual, before the show during intermission and after, there was entertainment in the lobby, this time a bit of tinkling of the ivories set a nice mood. Adults enjoyed a flute of champagne to celebrate.

For more information, visit www.thewick.org.