We had a quickie with the boys from West Side Story

Cape Town – West Side Story is arguably one of the best written musicals and Channel24 got to meet two of its frontmen!

Based on the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, the Eric Abraham and Fugard Theatre production brings a stellar local cast to tell the story of the white Jets led by Riff and the Puerto Rican Sharks, led by Bernardo.

Here’s what Stephen Jubber (Riff) and Chris Jaftha (Bernardo) had to say about working on the show and what they find yummy or gross.

What do you have in common with your character in the show?

Stephen: "Well I’ve never been a gangster, I’ve also not been much of a leader… but I did read somewhere that Riff is wacky and I can do that. It kind of gives him a lighter side."

Chris: "I was definitely trying not to bring any of who I am into the character, but then someone else said to me 'it must be easy for you to play Bernardo in certain aspects,' I almost found it a little bit insulting.

"But this person said ‘no well Bernardo is an honourable character’ and so it became a compliment."

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you on stage during the show?

Stephen: "In the show we get involved in a knife fight and one thing you definitely don’t want to happen is to fumble your knife… Chris loves to do little flips and tricks and things and I like to keep it simple.

"So the one night Chris did this kiff little trick and the knife flew out of his hand and impaled me three times. Both knives were then lying on the deck when Chris was supposed to be threatening me with his…

"At that point I was wondering why isn’t [Chris] picking up his knife and he was wondering why am I not picking up my knife…

"And then for some reason Chris picked up both knives and was running around, waving them like ‘where’s my steak at’!"

If you made a musical about your life, what would it be called?

Stephen: "Life is short when you sleep in and screw"

Chris: "Light and shade"

Apart from West Side Story, what is your favourite musical to watch?

Stephen: "Chicago, it is just so sublime!"

Chris: "Surprisingly mine was Cats, I really enjoyed it!"

What is the one role you absolutely have to play on stage?

Stephen: "Wolverine! I was asked the same question in 2010 and the answer hasn’t changed. Now I must just write it."

Chris: "Simba in The Lion King, it’s not necessarily a dream role, it’s more of a role that has eluded me."

We also played a game of Yummy or Gross. This is how it went down…

Feet

Double fudge chocolate cake

Ben Affleck as Batman

Sushi

Chocolate body paint

Polo neck

Kim Kardashian West’s selfie book

(Photographs: Channel24/Herman Eloff)

Click here  for more info and to get your ticket for a once in a lifetime experience!