West Side Story

On the mean streets of New York City, two gangs are in a long-lasting duel. The Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang, grapple with the difficulties of assimilating into American society. The Jets, the "American" gang, want to resist newcomers entering their territory. In the midst of this rivalry, a Jet, Tony, falls in love with a beautiful Sharks' girl, Maria.

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. Brought to life on the CSC stage by the New Jersey Youth Theatre.

Book by  Arthur Laurents
Music by  Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by  Stephen Sondheim
Based on Conception of   Jerome Robbins
Based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Earning a total of ten Oscars for the movie version back in 1961 and launching Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway career in 1957, West Side Story is one of the most beloved musicals in American theater history. Back by popular demand, New Jersey Youth Theatre (NJYT) will be bringing their highly acclaimed production of West Side Story to the Centenary Stage Company’s Jammin’ in July series. Performances will take place August 2nd – 11th at the Sitnik Theatre in the David and Carol Lackland Center at 715 Grand Avenue in Hackettstown.

In 2003, NJYT’s production of West Side Story won the Music Theatre International’s Award of Excellence, an award rarely given out and only once in the ensuing ten years. The show is a musical masterpiece that set a standard of excellence in American musical theater seldom, if ever, achieved since. The original stage production opened in 1957 with powerful direction and choreography by Jerome Robbins, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Arthur Laurents, and a musical score by Leonard Bernstein featuring now-legendary songs such as "Tonight," “Maria”, and "America.” There will be a special matinee featuring a talk-back with the cast after the show on Thursday, August 8th at 12:30 pm. 

The world's greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre's finest accomplishments.

Schedule
Fri., Aug. 2 / 8pm
Sat., August 3 8pm
Sun., August 4th 2pm
Thurs., August 8th 12:30pm (camp show) and 7:30Pm
Fri., August 9th 8pm
Sat., August 10th 8pm
Sun., August 11th 2PM

Sunday Matinee, Thurs. & Friday Evenings $26, Senior/Student $23, Child -12 $18.50
Saturday Evening: Adult $28, Senior/Student $25, Child-12 $20
Summer Camp Matinee Thursday, August 8th at 12:30pm:  Groups Sales $16.00

For tickets call the box office 908-979-0900 or visit us online www.centenarystageco.org