CORDOVA — The award-winning West Side Story comes to the St. Benedict at Auburndale High School stage on April 3-5 at 7 p.m. and on April 6 for a Sunday matinee at 2:30 pm.
This 1957 Tony Award-winning musical spawned a 1961 Academy Award-winning film, transformed Broadway and the world with its iconic songs, haunting score, soaring dance routines and an uplifting message.
Inspired by William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the story centers on a racial and territorial conflict on the streets of New York between two rival gangs-the Jets and the Sharks.
While their friends and family battle each other in their own prejudices, a “star-crossed” couple with stark cultural differences, Maria and Tony, find each other and an unlikely love amidst the chaos.
The SBA production will stay true to the original masterpiece, while attempting to augment the story by featuring some average New Yorkers in the cast who get caught up in the rage-filled world of these rival gangs.
“When people are blinded by hate, everyone suffers, even innocent bystanders, so we want to show the larger world of New York a little, outside of the characters everyone knows,” said director Ryan Kathman.
All seats are reserved at $10 in advance or $15 at the door (while they last). Advance tickets may be purchased by check or cash during school hours, 7:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m., or by mail to West Side Story Tickets, SBA, 8250 Varnavas Dr., Cordova, TN 38016.
