Theater Reviews:

High-intensity and outstanding vocal talent prevail in two musical theater productions now enjoying brief local engagements — “West Side Story” at UCI’s Irvine Barclay Theater and “The Color Purple” at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

It’s hard to believe, but “West Side Story” now is a certified antique, having first burst onto Broadway in 1957 with its rookie lyricist, Stephen Sondheim. Four years later, the movie version won 10 Oscars, including best picture.

And no matter how familiar you’ve become with this modern-day version of “Romeo and Juliet,” a production as fervently intense as the one at the Barclay still will knock your socks off. Director Eli Simon has his Jets and Sharks rumbling on stage, in the aisles and probably in the parking lot.

The UCI production is a panorama of ensemble excellence, of bodies in motion with malice in their balletic movement. And in all this creative cacophony, several individually excellent interpretations emerge.

Topping the list is Ashley Moniz’s pitch-perfect Maria, the Puerto Rican girl who falls for a “nice guy” in the rival gang. Moniz possesses the role’s three requirements in abundance — physical beauty, a gorgeous voice and a gritty intensity.

David Hudson’s Tony is as bland as he must be to contrast with the other Jets, but his moments of torment ring true. Most impressive is the Jets’ gang leader Riff, portrayed with grim determination by Andreas de Rond.

Grace Gealey could go further into her firebrand Anita role, though her singing and dancing are first rate. Her lover, Bernardo, is smoothly and ominously interpreted by Perry Young.

Among the adults, it’s not Ryan Imhoff’s Lt. Shrank who dominates, but Nich Kauffman in the traditional lower-key role of candy store proprietor Doc. His performance is every bit as intense as the street hoods he befriends.

Because the movie version remains so familiar, we’re reminded of the striking improvements made by director Robert Wise — including the transposing of the “Gee Officer Krupke” and “Cool” numbers to reflect early comedy and later drama. Also, Wise excised the “Somewhere” ballet (staged at UCI with a full company) and focused on Tony and Maria singing this song, also a major accomplishment.