One of the greatest love stories of all time takes to the streets as the landmark Broadway musical West Side Story comes St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from May 9 to June 2.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria find themselves caught in a turf war between rival gangs – the Puerto Rican Sharks and the American Jets – as they dream of being together in a world without prejudice in New York City’s derelict Upper West Side during the turbulent 1950s.
Will the strength of their love overcome the hatred between their warring families?
The score by composer Leonard Bernstein and lyricist Stephen Sondheim is widely regarded as one of the best ever written; it includes memorable songs like Maria, I Feel Pretty, Somewhere, Tonight, America, and more.
The book by Arthur Laurents remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever, touching upon racism, immigration, police and community relations, and gun violence, while also offering a poetic love story for the ages.
The urban musical is also famous for its signature athletic choreography by Jerome Robbins.
“West Side Story is undoubtedly one of the greatest musicals of all time, and we are thrilled to produce it for the first time in our organization’s history,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment.
“The heartfelt characters, dramatic story, spectacular dance sequences and unforgettable music have captivated theatregoers around the world for decades, and we know our audiences in Waterloo Region are going to love it.”
Veteran director Max Reimer will helm this timeless classic. Reimer has directed several other grand-scale musicals including The Drowsy Chaperone, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sister Act and more.
Reimer is joined by esteemed choreographer Lisa Stevens, whose work has appeared on Broadway as well as in Canada, the U.S. and Australia.
Reimer and Stevens are joined by music director Mark Camilleri, set designer Samantha Burson, costume coordinator Jessica Pembleton, and lighting designer Jason Hand.
A stellar cast has been assembled for this epic love story including Drayton Entertainment newcomer Amber Tomlin as Maria.
A versatile singer and actress, Tomlin has appeared in operas and musicals across North America including The Magic Flute, Carmen, Ragtime, Godspell and more.
Her lustrous soprano is a perfect fit for soaring melodies like I Feel Pretty and Somewhere.
West Side Story was originally produced on Broadway in 1957.
The production received multiple Tony Award nominations and won for Best Choreography and Best Scenic Design.
A film adaptation of the musical was released in 1961 starring Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, and George Chakiris.
West Side Story runs May 9 to June 2 at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, followed by a run June 7 to June 23 at the Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend.
Regular performance tickets are $46 for adults; $27 for youth under 20 years of age.
Tickets for select discount dates and groups of 20 or more are $37.
HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at the St. Jacobs County Playhouse or by calling the box office at 519-747-7788 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
