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West Side Story: cooling with a Jet
Tuesday 7 September 2010, 10.42 AM
By The Team | Posted in Events
West Side Story is playing in Melbourne until early October. This musical was ahead of its time when it first opened in New York in the 1950s, and it’s still considered a ground-breaking and extraordinary show. The songs, the dancing, the subject matter – it’s all as moving now as it was half a century ago. 
Here’s what Rohan Browne has to say about the show, our city – and his fighting prowess.
Rohan, congratulations on your role as Riff, leader of the Jets, in Melbourne’s West Side Story. What is it about this musical that makes it so popular?
What the original creative team brought to the fore is something that will stand the test of time. It was originally set in New York, but it could be anywhere.
In every city of every country there are issues with violence, race, societal differences and creed. West Side Story lends itself to these different problems and everyone, at any time, can relate.
As a born and bred Melbourne boy you must be stoked to play such a big role in your home town.
Of course I’m stoked! I mean, this role is such an incredible character and I am thrilled to be able to do this around Australia – and especially in Melbourne.
Check out what Rohan’s castmates have to say about Melbourne in our exclusive video.
Do you have any favourite hidden bars or cafes that you take your international cast members to while they’re in town?
The hard part about Melbourne is keeping up. Everywhere you turn there are new, exciting and funky places to go to. One of my favourite bars is The Golden Monkey down Hardware Lane. The Emerald Peacock is a great place to hang out, The European and Supper Club are both reliable and trusty friends. And Self Preservation makes a mean coffee.
(Spoiler alert) Your character features only in the first half of the musical. If you could sneak out for a while during the second half, where might we find you?
A hospital? I don’t know if you know what happens to my character but it’s pretty messy. There is blood loss. For recovery I’d need something with some iron in it, perhaps a Guinness at 3 Below. Then, if they were still in with a chance I’d maybe go and cheer on the mighty Dees [Melbourne Demons].
Though not sung by you in the production, one of the most-loved songs in West Side Story is America. Can you change the words of the first verse to reflect the Melbourne you love?
Melbourne
You lovely city…
City of coffee snobbery
Always the trams clattering and slowing
Always the eclectic bar scene growing
And the MCG buzzing
And the Yarra flowing…
West Side Story is playing at the Regent Theatre now. Tickets are selling fast.
Leave a comment
27 comments
Action I reakon, as I’m very easily angered, and easily excitable – but the anger doesn’t last long and I don’t carry a knife !!
By Cam
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I relate to Maria. I come from a strict Greek family and when I was younger I really liked an Australian boy, but the relationship was a definite no-no according to my parents! I know first-hand the heartache of loving someone who is outside the “appropriate” circle!!
By Effie Bakkalis
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I think I’m like Joyboy. Although not a major character I relate to his flighty easily excitable and distracted personality. If theres something going on I want to be a part of it and throw myself full force. Luckily THATS why I live in MELBOURNE where its always exciting
By Kylie Plester
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Anita – always the confidante, occasionally a gossip, and I love to be the centre of attention! Occasionally slow to understand, can get myself into trouble, but a truer friend you’ll never find
By Jeanette
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Tony! Because I’m always the bloody Romeo that always falls in (unrequited) love!! D:
By Willy
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Anita of course, fiery dramatic, tempramental, great fashion sense and a drama queen!
By Krishna brannigan
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I identify the most with Baby John. He is the youngest of the Jets as I am the youngest among my friends and very sensitive. I often find I am ‘overly’ sensitive and get hurt easily.
By Janet Feldman
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Maria, I was a Latina in a previous life and I am fiesty and wild!
By Pauline
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SWEET SIDE: as any other woman would say:
Maria who depite the fact her loved one was taken away from her – she knew the exhilarating power and passion of having loved and being loved in return
ANOTHER SIDE: But having said that…..may be I am closer to any of the Shark gang members…got latino blood in me and yes, sometimes look for a fight!
OMG
By SUSANA VAN DE WEG
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Officer Krupky because I’m out of touch with the youth of today…
By Simon
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Maria because when I fall – well, I fall! It is just like Maria and Tony. She falls in love with Tony even when she knows no good will come of it and she knows she shouldnt but she just cant help herself. Welcome to my world! Maria’s story is my life!
By jazz
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I’d like to play Consuelo as I’d get to be blonde (not grey!), be in love with Pepe (love that name!) & would get to sing one of the most beautiful songs ever written, “Somewhere” (well, actually, I’d have to mime it as I can’t sing a note!)
By Mary
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I will tell you what you want to know, everything! I promise! That’s why I so need to win the passes, watch it, then I will have the answer for you … hooray :O
By Funnie
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Definitely Maria. I come from a very strict Italian family, to the point where I’m not even allowed to have male friends. I understand both her loyalty to her family and her yearning for love at the same time.
By Natalie
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I relate to Doc because he, like me, is of the older generation who has seen it all before and knows no good can come of hate and prejudice. He tries to stay neutral and encourage tolerance and sociable behaviour, but in the end becomes the impotent bystander, surrendering to despair as the predictable tragic eventuality comes to pass. With drugs, alcohol and violence adversely infecting Melbourne’s safe and friendly city atmosphere with fear and aggression, I think I know exactly how Doc feels in his powerlessness.
By Jo
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A amazing
N Naughty
I Intelligent
T Talented
A Astonishing
By Laura
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I relate to Anita who tries to protect Maria in her new environment, she knows what’s happening,she’s prepared to face the danger for Maria.
By Sherree Francis
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Maria,
I once dated a guy who was in a gang but wanted to break from him but couldnt becuase i liked a member from the other gang. I wasnt allowed to be with him, as I knew if anyone found out they would hurt him! I still think about hime- 15years later…..hope he is not in a gang anymore!!!
By hannah
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Maria because my heart is like a shopping trolley: when the wheels come off, it goes where it wants to go.
By AL
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I lv Rohan the main character its hard to be in such a role u have to be super duper and he has it all
By Gerry
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Would love to attend….
By Noon
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I most relate to the character who has never seen West Side Story and would absolutely love the chance to!
By Annabel Chan
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I relate to Anybodys the most. Im a tom boy at heart. I would much rather be out getting dirty having fun with the boys anyday.
By Laura Cook
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Maria. Cause I’m an out of place hopeless romantic!
By John
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Maria – Cause I feel Pretty!
By Nicole Whittle
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Entries have now closed. Thanks everyone for your creative entries – we’re most impressed!
Congratulations to Hannah, who is the winner of the double pass to West Side Story for her entry below:
Maria because my heart is like a shopping trolley: when the wheels come off, it goes where it wants to go.
Hannah – we’ll email you now to arrange the prize.
Thanks, that’s melbourne
By The team
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Maria – I am currently doing my honours thesis on the reception of Jewish refugees in the 1930s in Australia and England and I am angered and confused as to why ‘race relations’ should play a part in society’s affairs.
By Kim
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