West Side Story
Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) opened
its 26th Anniversary Season with
the original Broadway musical
version of 'West Side Story'
at the Herberger Theater
Center on Aug. 8.
Based on Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet and a concept by Jerome Robbins, West Side Story features a libretto by Arthur Laurents, music from Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The original Broadway production was directed and choreographed by Robbins.
The current cast of 40 features 14 actors who have never performed with VYT before, including three adults in the roles of Officer Krupke (Kevin Ohlfest), Lieutenant Schrank (Peter Hart) and Doc (Mitch Etter). "These talented performers come from New River, Surprise, Chandler and all points in between," said Bobb Cooper, producing artistic director. "Most have rehearsed five days a week for seven weeks and the results will absolutely astound you."
Anita (Megan Farinella) and The Sharks
Unlike past productions where it was difficult to find Hispanic actors, two-thirds of this year's Sharks gang in West Side Story are portrayed by performers of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. Including the one adult who plays Krupke, more than one-third of the total cast is Hispanic including Bernardo (Jonathan Ramirez), Maria (Sedona Urias-Ramonett), Chino (Noah Guzman), Indio (Ralphael Brown), Juano (Philip Amerine), Moose (Alberto Flores), Nibbles (Clay Rollon), Pepe (Brandon Reyes), Toro (Alex Partida), Consuela (Zoe Zamora), Francisca (Payton Bioletto), Rosalia (Sophia Deyden) and Glad Hand (Manny Quijada).
West Side Story
At Herberger Theater
Through Aug. 24, 2014
Tickets start at $20
Anita (Megan Farinella) puts the finishing touches on a dress for Maria (Sedona Urias-Ramonett)
before they leave for the dance at the gym.
Bernardo (Jonathan Ramirez) is ready to rumble, but Tony (Mike Sprenger) has come
between him and Riff (Michael Schultz) as the rest of The Jets look on.
Tony (Mike Sprenger, center) tries to break up a “war council” between The Sharks (left) and The Jets (right) at Doc’s Drugstore.
Tony (Mike Sprenger) and Maria (Sedona Urias-Ramonett).
PHOTOS BY BARRY SMITH
