Preview of 'West Side Story' at Westchester Broadway Theatre

Pictured: The Cast of West Side Story Photo by John Vecchiolla

Westchester Broadway Theatre Proudly presents

WEST SIDE STORY

Based on a concept by Jerome Robbins
Book by Arthur Laurents
Music by Leonard Bernstein Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Directed and Choreographed by Barry McNabb
Musical Direction by Ryan Edward Wise
April 9th – July 5th, 2015

West Side Story, possibly the greatest musical ever created, was inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The Musical is set on the mean streets of Manhattan, in the upper west side neighborhood of San Juan Hill, during the turbulent fifties. West Side Story tells the tale of two star-crossed lovers from different worlds. When Tony, a Jet, falls for Maria, a Shark, all hell breaks loose. Caught between two warring street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, Tony and Maria attempt to create a life together. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theater.

Bernstein’s score for the musical includes “Something’s Coming”, “Maria”, “America”, “Somewhere”, “Tonight”, “Jet Song”, “I Feel Pretty”, “A Boy Like That”, “One Hand, One Heart”, “Gee, Officer Krupke”, and “Cool”.

Premiering in 1957, starring Mickey Calin as Riff, Larry Kent as Tony, Carol Lawrence as Maria and Chita Rivera as Anita, the musical went on to critical acclaim worldwide. It was nominated for six Tony Awards including Best Musical, but the award went to Meredith Willson’s The Music Man. Jerome Robbins won the Tony for his choreography and Oliver Smith won for his scenic designs. The 1961 film version picked up ten Oscars, plus a special choreography award for Robbins. The soundtrack, by Bernstein and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, spent 54 weeks at number one in the Billboard chart.

Our last production of West Side Story was in 1998. We are thrilled that we can finally bring this timeless classic back to the WBT stage! Director Barry McNabb, who directed and choreographed that production, returns to take the helm. The assistant Director/Choreographer is Warren Curtis. The fight Director is James Jelkin.

Our production stars; Carly Evans as Maria, Zach Trimmer as Tony, Adam Soniak as Riff, Allison Thomas Lee as Anita, Brandon Contreras as Bernardo, Mike Boland as Doc and Officer Krupke, Xavier Reyes as Chino, Ed Romanoff as Lt. Shrank and Gladhand, and Maggie McGrath as Anybody’s.

Featured are: Sara Brophy, Victoria Casillo, Alexander Gil Cruz, Warren Curtis, Sarah Gawron, Michael Graceffa, Anthony Johnson, Tyler John Logan, Erik Magnus, Kelsey Orem, Emilio Ramos, Arianna Rosario, Kevin Santos, Scott Shedenhelm and Melanie Wildman.

Set Design is by Steve Loftus, Lighting Design is by Andrew Gmoser, Sound Design is by Jonathan Hatton and Mark Zuckerman, Costume Design is by Derek Lockwood. Wig/Hair Design by Gerard Kelly, The Production Stage Manager is Victor Lukas, Assistant Stage Manager is Duane McDevitt. Properties are by Grumpy Props. As with all our productions, Lisa Tiso is the Associate Producer.

Musicians: Von Ann Stutler - Contractor, Ryan Edward Wise - Musical Director, John Bowen - Assistant Musical Director/Keyboard, Kenny Ross - Drums, Jordan Jancz - Bass, Ron Kozak - Reeds, John Trombetta - Trumpet, John Reid - Trumpet, Jason Ingram - trombone.

Barry McNabb (Director/Choreographer) WBT: Chicago, West Side Story and Footloose. Off-Broadway~ Irish Repertory (30+ productions; Finian’s Rainbow~ Lortel Nomination- Choreography~, New Girl in Town, The Emperor Jones, Ernest in Love, Take Me Along, Meet Me in St Louis), Public Theatre (LAByrinth Theatre: Shanley’s Sailor’s Song ~Drama Desk nomination for Choreography), York Theatre, Playhouse 91, CSC, Lincoln Center, AMAS, Circle Rep, Blue Angel. Regionally~ Westport Playhouse, Pittsburgh Public, Bay Street, GEVA, Asolo, Michigan Ensemble, The Alley, Seattle 5th Avenue, Houston TUTS. Directed “It’s A Wonderful Life” at Prince Music Theatre (5 Barrymore nominations.) Multi award-winning productions of “CHICAGO”, “West Side Story”, “Victor/Victoria”, “When Harry Met Sally” throughout Spain. Television~ “Saturday Night Live”, “Late Nite with Conan O’Brien” (15 seasons), and “Howard Stern Show”. Adjunct faculty for New Studio on Broadway at NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

Carly Evans (Maria) is so excited to be involved in this beautiful show. She was fortunate enough to play the same role at Ogunquit Playhouse last fall. Other favorite credits include: The Fantasticks (Luisa), The Last 5 Years (Cathy), Sweeney Todd (Johanna) and DOUBT (Sister James). Film/TV: Motive for Murder (Lifetime Movie Network). BFA Musical Theatre from Penn State.

Zach Trimmer (Tony) is proud to be returning to WBT where he was recently seen as Lt. Joe Cable in South Pacific. Selected Credits: The Bard-y Bunch (Greg - Off-B’way). Hairspray (Brad, Corny u/s - Nat’l Tour; Link - TBTS), Avenue Q (Princeton/ Rod u/s - Nat’l Tour, Ogunquit, Gateway), La Cage aux Folles (Jean-Michel - North Shore, TBTS), Grease (Danny - TBTS), The Fantasticks (Matt - WV Public), Into the Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince - AZ Broadway), A Wonderful Life (Harry u/s - Engeman).

Allison Thomas Lee (Anita) is thrilled to be playing her dream role! Broadway credits: The Addams Family; In The Heights; Tarzan; Aida. National Tours: Wicked; Aida; West Side Story. Metropolitan Opera: The Merry Widow. TV: The Tomorrow People; Are We There Yet??; SNL. Film: Seven Angry Men and Women; My Man is a Loser.

Brandon Contreras (Bernardo) is honored and thrilled to finally perform in this classic piece! Credits include: National tour: In the Heights (1st National). Industrial: 2014 National Agency Convention (Las Vegas, NV). Off-Broadway: Our Lady of 121st Street (Theatre Row), Chautauqua! (Public Theater). Regional: The 25th Annual… Spelling Bee, South Pacific.

Show Times: Thursday Matinees: Lunch: 11:30 am & Show 1 pm
Some Wednesday & Friday Matinees: Lunch: 11:30 am & Show 1 pm

Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Evenings: Dinner: 6:30 pm & Show: 8 pm
Sunday Matinees: Lunch: 12 pm & Show: 1:30 pm
Sunday Evenings: Dinner: 5:30 pm & Show: 7 pm.

Reservations: Call (914)-592-2222. Also at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com

Group Reservations: Discounts for Groups of 20 or More: Call 592-2225.

Luxury Boxes: Call 592-8730, for private parties of 6 to 22. Enjoy dining and theatre in an elegant private box. Additional features include an expanded dinner menu, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, private powder room, and Luxury Box reserved parking. Additional cost, call for details.

Ticket Prices Dinner & Show range between $56.00 and $84.00 PLUS TAX depending on the performances chosen. Beverage Service & Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. Discounts are available for children, students, and senior citizens at selected performances. Also check the website for on-going Special Offers! More news at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com

WBT Mainstage:

West Side Story – April 9th to July 5th 2015
Godspell – July 9th to August 16th 2015
Backwards In High Heels – August 20th to September 27th 2015
Showboat - October 1st to November 29th 2015 and returns December 30th to January 31st 2016
Tim And Scrooge- December 3rd to December 27th 2016

Westchester Broadway Theatre
1 Broadway Plaza
Elmsford, NY 10526
(914)592-2268 www.broadwaytheatre.com