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.

Musically, Daniel Gary Busby’s upstage orchestra is a pulsating force, hidden behind scenic designer Victoria Anneliese’s superb slum-like setting. Tracey Bonner’s visceral choreography is outstanding, particularly during the dance sequence at the gym.

“West Side Story” may be in its second half-century, but you’d never guess it from viewing this UCI masterpiece.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “West Side Story”

WHERE: Irvine Barclay Theater, UCI

WHEN: Closing performances at 8 tonight through Saturday

COST: $25 to $28

CALL: (949) 854-4646

Meanwhile, “The Color Purple” sets the vintage Steven Spielberg movie to music with its all-African-American cast and some exceptionally strong voices in its two-week stint.

Power and passion drive the musical version of Alice Walker’s creation, adapted for the stage by playwright Marsha Norman (“ ‘night, Mother”). Often, however, this power prevails at the expense of clarity.

There’s no denying the impact of director Gary Griffin’s soaring production, which examines the black experience in the deep South from 1909 through 1949. But, at least in its first act, the show’s overwhelming volume prevents lyrics from emerging understood.

You’ve probably never seen a musical theater singer with the vocal acumen of Jeannette Bayardelle, who portrays the “ugly” and downtrodden Celie — who, when we first encounter her is about to deliver her second out-of-wedlock baby, and serves as a consolation prize to the land owner known only as “Mister” (Rufus Bonds Jr.), who really covets her younger sister Nettie (LaToya London).

Bayardelle, who apparently can hold a note until next Thursday, delivers a riveting performance, as does Bonds’ cruel, domineering farmer. Both are captivated by a visiting entertainer, the glamorous Shug Avery (Angela Robinson), who injects a fine measure of heart into a show with more than its fill of soul.

Mister’s oldest son Harpo (Stu James) woos the corpulent, and stubborn Sofia (Felicia P. Fields), whose defiance nearly gets her beaten to death. Sofia, you may recall, is the role taken in the movie version 20 years ago by Oprah Winfrey, who’s a major producer of this musical adaptation (and chose Harpo as the name of her production company — it’s also Oprah spelled backward).

How all that ill feeling in the early days turns into love and harmony in the later years may be difficult to understand, but you’ll have a joyful experience along the way — once the booming chorus members are made aware that they don’t have to turn up the volume to be heard. Individually, the principals’ voices are among the finest the center has experienced, particularly Bayardelle’s, which rattles the rafters.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “The Color Purple”

WHERE: Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays until Nov. 30

COST: $28.50 to $88.50

CALL: (714) 556-2787

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews appear Thursdays.