Teenage kicks for Aussie dancers making West Side Story their own

West Side Story is a musical about a bunch of teenagers living in New York but never before has there ben a teen cast in the roles — until now. Meet the Aussie teenagers making an iconic show their own at the Sydney Opera House.

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It’s a musical about a bunch of teenagers living in New York but it has never had a teen cast in the roles — until now.

World-renowned stage director and choreographer Joey McKneely scoured Australian performing arts schools and dance studios looking for the perfect candidates for the West Side Story production he will bring to the Sydney Opera House from August.

“What makes this production stand out is the youth of the cast,” McKneely said of the all-Australian group whose youngest member is 16.

Teen cast of the West Side Story (from left): Blake Tuke, Joshua Taylor, Noah Mullins, Sebastien Golenko, Nicholas Collins, and Molly Bugeja.

“This is the youngest cast I have ever done, most of these kids had never seen (West Side Story) before they were cast.

“But what I really love about this production — and I have been doing West Side Story for 20 years — is that it’s teens playing teens for the first time.”

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While his casting decision may have been accurate, he said it was a challenge pushing young dancers — many of whom had never performed in a professional ensemble before — to hit the tough heights required of the iconic West Side Story routines.

“The choreography has ballet lines and a ballet base,” McKneely said.

“But I was so amazed by the dancing and singing talent in Australia. West Side story is a monster of a show and there was a lot of pushing and yelling on my part.

“But this young cast showed real energy, enthusiasm and commitment. It was a testament to the Aussie spirit.”

Penrith performer Noah Mullins, 19, auditioned for an ensemble spot but was called back for the lead role of Riff.

“I’m mainly a singer and an actor and when I was cast I realised how much dancing was in it,” said the teen, who has only been dancing for five years. “It was quite challenging and I’m also dyslexic which makes it difficult for me to remember choreography.

“But Joey was a real good mentor to me, even if he did scare the hell out of me at first.”

Mullins, who first watched the movie when he was a small boy, believes the musical continues to be relevant to modern audiences because it shines a spotlight on fear, hatred and our sometimes troubled experience with migrants.

* The show will run at the Sydney Opera House from August 16 to October 6. Details at sydneyoperahouse.com