Published: July 10, 2008 09:32 am            

THEATER: 'West Side Story' in Lockport

By Alyssa Harpst



The ageless love tale of Maria and Tony comes to Western New York when “West Side Story” hits the stage for a two-week stint starting tonight at the Palace Theatre in Lockport.

Presented by Curtain Up Productions, Palace Artistic Director Christopher Parada thinks the show will be a crowd-pleaser.

“This is the story of the classic Romeo and Juliet love twist,” Parada said. “It deals with Tony and Maria and the Jets and the Sharks, and transports the audience back to 1960s New York City. This is a very classic show, and it is very well known.”

Over the past two months, the cast and crew has been rehearsing to put together the show.

“We have been learning very tough music and very challenging dance numbers, which people expect,” Parada said. “There are the classic songs such as ‘Tonight,’ ‘One Hand One Heart,’ ‘Maria’ and the rumble that everyone will recognize. ”

The show is a familiar story with audiences worldwide, as it follows two would-be lovers who are not supposed to be together because of their affiliations with rival street gangs. Featuring music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the musical first opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theater in September 1957.

The production has received many awards, including several Academy Awards for the 1961 film adaptation, starring Natalie Wood as Maria. A new Broadway revival is expected in early 2009.

“We have a cast of 45 people and a great orchestra,” Parada said. “I am so pleased with the way the show has turned out. It is very challenging, and we have created a beautiful thing here at the Palace Theatre.”

Choreographed by Dyan Mulvey Balcerzak, featuring music director Joe Breczka and vocal director Will Hall, “West Side Story” closes out the 2007-08 season at the Palace.



IF YOU GO

* WHAT: “West Side Story”

* WHEN: 7:30 p.m. today, Saturday, Sunday and July 17 and 19-20

* WHERE: Palace Theatre, 2 East Ave., Lockport

* MORE INFORMATION: Call 438-1130 or visit lockportpalacetheatre.com

        

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