West Seattle High School's recent production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel" was a sophisticated and complex undertaking for the five-year-old theater program ably directed by Andrew Finley.

Yes, actors may have missed a note or a dance step here and there but overall, the acting, dancing and especially the music were excellent.

While no one actor stood out, the synergy of the ensemble and those playing individual roles was evident. Clearly the actors were enjoying themselves as the audience enjoyed and appreciated them.

The play included lots of singing and dancing and features many old, familiar tunes. "If I Loved You," "June is Busting Out All Over," "You'll Never Walk Alone" and many others. All were capably rendered, either as solos or in chorus, by these high school students. Their dedication to their craft and to each other combined to create a wonderfully performed musical.

The action on stage held the attention and received frequent applause of the audience, while the orchestra, obscured by trees at the back of the set, performed incredibly well, delivering superb musical accompaniment to the many songs. The 14-member group, under the direction of Cathy "Coach" Rutherford and Alex Berinato, performed as well as any professional group. Choreographer Laura Cowin Sugden brought the entire performance together with some lively and near constant dance and motion on stage.

All in all, the cast, crew, orchestra and leaders are to be congratulated. If you missed this performance, you missed another job well done at West Seattle High School under Finley's direction. Make future Westside performances "must sees" and you won't be disappointed.

Martha Callard is a West Seattle resident and may be contacted via wseditor@robinsonnews.com