Jim and I went to see West Side Story at the Fifth last night. It was as swanky and cool as dancing hoodlums from the 50's are apt to be -- and unfortunately thematically still relevant (gangs, race relations and violence) fifty years after its premiere.

The set was appropriately urban and industrial: a fenced in play yard, dusty concrete, metal fire escapes ('oh, wherefore art thou.... Tony?') Scenes were flooded with deep red, purple and green lights -- and oh, how I loved the fluorescent lights in the magazine shop! The singing and dancing was fantastic -- the tenor who played Tony had such a wonderfully warm voice. Needless to say, I enjoyed the show very much... but tell me, when am I going to learn that I must bring tissues when I go to the theater?!? I walked away with a tear splashed shirt and a mottled, red nose. If I had to guess I would say this was a four tissue show. I just couldn't play it cool, boy. :)