BBC Proms John Wilson Orchestra West Side Story.

Well this was fantastic.
Although it isn't being televised it's a shame because it would have worked brilliantly. All of the songs were 'acted out' in, more or less,  stage costumes too. There was a little bit of dialogue but I found it just as emotional as the full musical, actually more so because it was so well performed.
The orchestra was sensational under John Wilson. We've come to expect that but it considerably exceeded my expectations. Rhythmically as tight as possible but all the pianissimo bits had a real frisson. He got the strings to sound like the Vienna Philharmonic in their plush richness at the start of I feel Pretty.
Ross Lekites was a very strong Tony. He has a very appealing beseeching quality to his voice, with heft for the climaxes but also a lovely falsetto.
Eden Espinosa was a characterful Anita, although she has a  slightly mannered, below the note, attack.
Louise Alder sang Somewhere fabulously.
Micaela Bennett was outstanding as Maria. After all the kerfuffle over the casting of this part she ended up, with strong competition, being the best thing in it. She has a glorious voice; quite a strong vibrato, but also able to 'float' high notes exquisitely. She did I feel Pretty (a song that often disappoints in performance) better than I've ever heard it. She also blended beautifully with Tony in Tonight.