Ardent Performing Arts Presents: West Side Story

West Side Story is a musical conceived by Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents.

Inspired by William Shakespeare’s play ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ the story is set in the mid-50s in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City, then a multiracial, blue-collar neighbourhood. The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. Tony, a young man affiliated with a Caucasian gang, meets and falls in love with Maria, the sister of a Puerto Rican gangster. As a result, they face many challenges in their quest to unite. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance sequences, tragic love story, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in musical theatre. Featuring much loved songs ‘Maria,’ ‘America,’ Somethings Coming’ and ‘I Feel Pretty,’ amongst many more.

The 1957 Broadway production, directed and choreographed by Robbins, marked Sondheim’s Broadway debut. It ran for 732 performances before going on tour. The production was nominated for six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, winning two.

Performances from Saturday 10 May to Sunday 18 May. Evening shows on Saturdays and Tuesday to Friday nights at 7.30pm. Matinees on Sunday May 11, Saturday May 17 and Sunday May 18 at 2pm.
Prices $20 to $40, Group discounts available for bookings of 10 or more in a single booking. Mixed group discounts and wheelchair bookings must be made via the box office – Monday to Friday 10am till 2pm daily.

Credit card charges apply