West Side Story in Sydney’s Inner West
Ashfield Musical Society is presenting the Tony Award- winning musical West Side Story at Concord RSL Club Auditorium, Concord West, for two weekends, opening Friday June 20 and closing Sunday June 29, with both matinee and evening performances available.
A modernised telling of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is set in New York City in the 1950s, where two teenage gangs are at war. The Polish-American Jets, led by Riff (Andrew Del Popolo), and the Puerto Rican Sharks, led by Bernardo (Randy Jackson), are battling it out for their claim on the neighbourhood.
Things become even more complicated when Tony (Cameron Anderson), one of the Jets, meets Maria (Monique Calarco), the little sister of Bernardo, and the pair fall instantly in love. Despite the impassioned pleas of Bernardo's fiancée, Anita (Fiona Kelly), to "stick to your own kind", Maria decides to follow her heart – but at what cost?
"This musical is about love, hate, loyalty, and the futility of prejudice. It's as relevant today as the day it was written," says Fiona Kelly.
Directed by Phil Blamey and choreographed by Wendy Twiner, Ashfield Musical Society's West Side Story promises drama, action, a few laughs, and plenty of romance, all wrapped up in powerful music and energetic dance numbers.
"I'm loving every minute of working on West Side Story," says Phil Blamey. "Not only is it a wonderful show in its own right, but our talented cast really brings this much-loved story to life."
"There's something for everyone in West Side Story – audiences will be on the edge of their seats one moment and then reaching for tissues the next. And it's filled with so many show-stopping songs that everyone is bound to go home singing," he says.
Under the musical direction of John Tweed, West Side Story features iconic songs by Leonard Bernstein and Steven Sondheim such as "America", "Tonight", "I Feel Pretty", "Somewhere", "Cool" and "Maria".
"The music is one of the most important elements behind this show and is the greatest influence for my characterisation. Musically, each song unfolds the story and, as a performer, I cannot help but get swept away in its beauty," says Monique Calarco.
Bookings: A Reserve tickets are $35 for Adults and $32 for Concession. B Reserve tickets are $32 for Adults and $30 for Concession. Bookings 9793 1331.
Venue: Concord RSL Club Auditorium, Nullawarra Avenue, Concord West.
Show dates: 20, 21, 27 & 28 June at 8pm 21, 22, 28 & 29 June at 2pm.
Image: Monique Calarco and Cameron Anderson (Maria and Tony).
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