West Side Story (2017)

Performances

March 10-12, 17-19 & 24-26, 2017

Venue

Community Players Theatre

Synopsis

From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Arthur Laurents’ book remains as powerful, poignant, and timely as ever. The score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim is widely regarded as one of the best ever written. The world’s greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre’s finest accomplishments.

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.

Book by Arthur Laurents
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Historian’s Corner

The 2017 production of West Side Story represented the third time the show had produced at Community Players. It was first produced during the 1980-1981 season, then in the 1993-1994 season, and now in 2016-2017 season. While each version had been successful, the 2017 production was a fan favorite, and the second and third weeks were sell-outs at the box office.

Director Alan Wilson had been a cast member of the 1980 production, while this current production marked first time musical direction duties for Jacob Deter. Bruce Parrish reprised the role of Doc which he had played in the 1994 production.