SoRo Players Present ‘West Side Story’
By Anneke Van Fossen

The SoRo Players are preparing to present "West Side Story," the classic Broadway musical inspired by Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet" and written by Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim. Performances will take place April 5, 6, and 7 at 8 p.m. in the South Royalton Gymatorium.

This production is directed by Louise Barreda with choreography by Kimberly Hackett and vocals by Maria Lamson. The orchestra will be conducted by Ann Greenawalt, with Abby Woodward at the piano. Brian Bry is creating the set.

The first act begins with an introductory dance that reveals the hostility between rival Puerto Rican gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Led by Bernardo (Shreyas Borkar) the Sharks are fighting the Jets, led by Riff (Devin Noyes), for control of the neighborhood. Meanwhile, Riff wants to bring his friend Anton "Tony" (Ki Walker) back into the Jets.

At a neighborhood dance, opposing gang members and their girls gather for a few moments of peaceful socializing before a challenge dance ensues. Amidst the dancing, Tony spots Maria (Alex Honkala), Bernardo’s sister who has recently arrived in America from Puerto Rico. They fall in love as the Jets and Sharks agree to meet later for a war council.

Maria works at a bridal shop with her friend Anita (Jane Manby), who is Bernardo’s girlfriend. Maria’s love-struck behavior seems to Anita to be the result of changing feelings for Chino (Trevor Webster), a Shark whom her family has chosen to be her husband.

Other characters include the Jets (Caleb Atwood, Colin Judge, Miles Ellis, Cal Wilmot, Chris Farina, and Jarrid Sherlock); their girls (Brita Van Fossen, Whitney Dumville, Shona Sanford-Long, Chelsea Wilmot, Tiffany Ferris, and Troy Tetreault); the Sharks (Jake Timian, Tim Phelps, Sean Perrin, Patrick Murphy, and Vince Brown); their girls (Shanna Duffy, Alyssa Bingham, Michele Loomis, Taylor Webster, and Monica Parshley); Ma (Karen Bascom), Anybodys (Julia Collins), Officer Krupke (Chris Chapman), Lieutenant Shrank (Justin Shepard), and Glad Hand (Daniel Caron).

Bernstein’s score for this musical fortifies the plot with its commanding composition. Selections from it have become popular even beyond the theatrical realm, including "I Feel Pretty," "America," "Tonight," and "One Hand, One Heart."

Ticket reservations can be made by calling 763-7524.

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