West Side Story

This summer, the Taylor Performing Arts Center in Monrovia, California will present the Tony Award winning musical, West Side Story on July 14th at 8:00 PM, 15th at 8:00 PM, 16th at 2:00 and 8:00 PM, and 17th at 5:00 PM.

West Side Story is the iconic and celebrated American musical inspired by William Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet. It first opened on Broadway in 1957 and ran for 732 performances before going on tour. Its sophisticated music by Leonard Bernstein, extended dance scenes, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theater. Leonard Bernstein's score also includes some of the most beautiful music ever written for the American stage such as "Maria,” "Tonight," and "One Hand, One Heart”.

“We have assembled an extraordinary cast and creative team for West Side Story,” said Patrick Garcia, Director of Performing Arts for Monrovia Unified School District and the Producing Artistic Director of West Side Story, who is counting on loyal audience members who have championed previous productions (Music Man, White Christmas, The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me In St. Louis, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Hairspray) to return to the Taylor Center to support West Side Story.

The gifted creative team for West Side Story includes Director, Andrew Fernando; Choreographer, Joelle Martinec; Music Director/Conductor, Brigham Freeth; and Stage Manager, Martyn Tyler.

Well-known Southern California actors leading the West Side Story cast of 36 include: Tina Hartell as Maria, Adam Rupp as Tony, Sergio Salinas as Bernardo, Veronica Ramos as Anita, and Edward Frame as Riff. Monrovia High School student, Eduardo Ambriz will play the role of Chino. Other Monrovia High School students in the ensemble include: Thomas Jaime, Ben Thomas, Haley Rogers, and 2015 Monrovia graduate, Justice McLean-Davis. Other notable Monrovians in the cast include Monrovia High School drama teacher, Nate Overby and Monrovia resident Fil Lujan.

Advanced tickets for West Side Story may be purchased at Monrovia Travel located at 401 South Myrtle Avenue or through Brown Paper Tickets at brownpapertickets.com or by calling 800-838-3006. Advanced tickets may also be purchased from anyone on the Taylor Center’s Publicity and Marketing Committee including Kim Petulla, Joanne Spring, Maria Gray, Helen Hernandez, Landie Lopez, or Susan Motander.

General admission tickets are $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for students and children age 12 and younger. $20.00 tickets are available for groups of 10 or larger as well as for senior citizens age 65 and above. VIP tickets are available for $35.00. Rush tickets in the first row are $10.00 and will be sold on a first come first served basis before each performance.

Please note the special matinee ticket price: On Saturday, July 16th all 2:00 PM matinee tickets will be $10.00 with the exception of VIP tickets.

The Taylor Performing Arts Center is located at 845 West Colorado Boulevard in Monrovia, on the campus of Monrovia High School. Tickets may also be purchased at the Taylor Performing Arts Center beginning one hour before show time.

For questions, please contact the Performing Arts Department at the District Office at 626-471-2032 or visit online at LKTaylorperformingarts.com.

West Side Story is sponsored by Monrovia Unified School District and the Boone Foundation.