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West Side Story
Los Angeles Times- “But you have to watch the electric Diaz, a worthy successor to Chita Rivera, to sense the truly dazzling intensity of what Robbins created in her firey performance.”
Boston Globe – Anita makes a star out of Diaz“-This roadshow production boasts that the show is the star. No need for headliners when the producers have a Leonard Bernstein score, lyrics by Steven Sondheim, choreography by Jerome Robbins, and a book by Arthur Laurents. But judging from the thunderous applause that greets Natascia Diaz’s Anita during the curtain call, “the shows the only star” claim may not be valid much longer.”
The Tab – Show-stealer keeps things fresh in old ‘Story’“ Cynics who doubt the power of love at first sight may soon fall victim to it. By the time actress Natascia Diaz is wowing the audience with a stunning lead in “America”, we are as smitten with her as Tony is with Maria. Four other actresses may share the stage with her, but you’d never know it. A gifted dancer with a great voice and a knack for comedy, she is riveting and beguiling – and not just because she bears a haunting resemblance to a young Rita Moreno. Diaz performs with an energy and vitality that’s unmatched in this likable production of the resilient musical. Songs that directors can usually turn into show stoppers- “Tonight”, “Cool”- never really hit hi-gear. Maybe what they’re missing is Diaz. Still, I wouldn’t discourage anyone from seeing this production that teaches us another lesson in the power of love at first sight, even if it’s Diaz – not Tony or Maria – who is doing the teaching.”
Sentinel Enterprise-“As good as Koch and Camille were, it was Natascia Diaz as Anita, Bernardo’s girlfriend and Maria’s confidante, who stole the show Wednesday. Anita would appear to be an easy role for an actress to make a success with – but Diaz took this character to new heights – hers is a powerful and eminently watchable stage presence. Her body language was exquisite; during the scene in act two when Maria reaffirms to Anita how much she loves Tony, the audience can see exactly what Anita is feeling, and how those feelings are changing, without Diaz moving a muscle. The audience loved her; the sassy “America” drew the show’s biggest ovation.”
Cleveland Plain Dealer Reporter- “Natascia Diaz as Bernardo’s sister Anita gave Chita Rivera – who played the original Anita on Broadway - a real run for her money. Diaz’s dancing and acting were inspired.”
Denver Post – Diaz Shines in soaring ‘Story’ “But it is Natascia Diaz who steals the show. As Anita, Bernardo’s girl and Maria’s mentor, Diaz is exceptional. The lissome Rita Moreno look-alike is an exciting dancer and singer who lights up the stage in the sardonic “America” and the enraged “A Boy Like That”. As an actress, Diaz creates an Anita who is strong, passionate and feminine, whether dispensing tart tongued truths and dry advice, teasing and tempting Bernardo or reluctantly agreeing to serve as the go between for Maria and Tony, who has just killed her lover.”
Boston Herald – “Diaz has just the right attitude and all the right moves. She has great fun in her scene stealing song “America”, but provides her character with a tender balance in her duet with Maria, “I Have a Love”. When she walks out of the apartment after that song, she pauses and looks at Bernardo’s jacket hanging there, and that one pause speaks volumes.”
Kansas City Star –“Much of the acting is first rate, particularly Natascia Diaz as Anita. Diaz is all fire and smoke –hers is a sultry, deeply human vision.”
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