MCP Summer Youth Theater Presents West Side Story
Franke Center for the Arts

The Marshall Civic Players summer youth program presents West Side Story, opening July 11th at the Franke Center for the Arts.

As the story opens, two feuding street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, are on a collision course in the gritty slums of New York City. Out of the chaos, a passionate romance blooms between Tony and Maria, teenagers caught on opposite sides of the turf war. But can they find a place for their love amid the prejudice and turmoil that surrounds them? Winner of 10 Academy Awards and two Tony Awards, Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story is one of the all-time great American musicals, with explosive dancing and some of the most electrifying music ever written for the Broadway stage, including "Maria," "Tonight" and "I Feel Pretty."

West Side Story was an important turning point in American musical theater, because it explored social problems in a slum of New York, with the plot revolving around the activities of members from two rival gangs. The plot and main characters of West Side Story are loosely based on Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." As in Romeo and Juliet, the rivalry escalates and leads to great tragedy. The crew for the show includes artistic director Randy Wolfe, musical director David Sly, technical director Tim Nolan, choreographers Kelly Dominique and Emily Ours, assistant director Aimee Walsh, and assistant producer Jennifer Long.

Says producer Kim Forde, "West Side Story is a play with themes that are exactly in tune with today's world, not to mention gorgeous music and amazing dance numbers. I’m sure you’ll be as amazed as I am by the talent and commitment of the young people in our community. You won’t want to miss it!”

Performance dates are July 11-13 and 18-20 at the Franke Center for the Arts, 214 E. Mansion Street, Marshall. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $8 for students. The box office will open to the general public on Monday, July 7th at 1:00pm. Call 781-3335 for more information.