West Side Story takes the stage at Berea College Feb 22
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2-22-2008 |
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| The Berea College Theatre Laboratory continues it 2007-2008 production season with the classic musical West Side Story, opening in the McGaw Theatre February 22. Performances continue through March 1.
West Side Story, written by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is among the most well-known and beloved of American musicals, with musical numbers “Tonight,” “Somewhere,” and “America.” Based loosely on the classic Shakespearean tragedy Romeo and Juliet, the conflict is between rival gangs in New York City. West Side Story originally opened in New York in 1957 at the Winter Garden Theatre, and was enthusiastically received, running for over seven hundred sold out performances, toured nationally for a year, and then returned to New York for over two hundred additional performances. Since then, the musical has been performed around the globe and translated in multiple languages. A major motion picture was released in 1961, starring Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno, and earned a total of ten Oscar awards, including Best Picture that year. The production at Berea College is a collaboration between the Theatre Laboratory and the Department of Music and is being led by Director Rodney Clark, with Musical Director Stephen Bolster, Choreographer Stephanie Woodie and Assistant Musical Director Ryan Shirar. The cast features the talents of over thirty students, including seniors Valton Jackson as Tony and Rebekah Phillippi as Maria. Scenery is designed by Shan Ayers; costumes by Mary Ann Shupe; and lighting by Dawn Alex. Director Rodney Clark says of the collaboration, “West Side Story is among my favorite musicals, and I’m excited to be working with Steve, Stephanie, Ryan and the students on this. To pull off a musical of this magnitude, you need the assistance and talents of many artists and collaborators. We look forward to the campus and surrounding community experiencing this.” Performances are February 22, 23 and 27-March1 at 8pm in the McGaw Theatre. Tickets range in price from $5 to $10 and can be reserved by calling the Berea College Theatre Box Office at (859) 985-3300 Monday through Friday, 1-5 pm. As a service to our community, a sign interpreted performance will be Friday, February 29. Listening devices for the hearing impaired, enlarged programs for the sight impaired, and special parking and seating privileges for those needing physical assistance are also available. Advance reservations are strongly suggested as most performances will be sold out. |
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| CONTACT:
Deborah G. Martin |
