Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre to Present WEST SIDE STORY, 6/12-8/29

The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, the Frederick area's only year-round producing theatre, continues its 2015 Mainstage Season this summer with the singing and dancing musical favorite West Side Story. The musical which was conceived and originally directed and choreographed by the legendary Jerome Robbins, will run from June 12th - August 29th.

In West Side Story, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.

West Side Story opened on Broadway in the fall of 1957. Behind the production were some of the most legendary Broadway talents at the time -- Leonard Bernstein (music), Arthur Laurents (book), and Jerome Robbins (direction and choreography). It was also the Broadway debut of Stephen Sondheim, who would go on to become one of the most popular composers of today. The production ran for over 700 performances, nearly two years, before it closed and went on tour in 1959. Following the tour, the production returned to its Broadway home, the Winter Garden Theatre, and ran for an additional 253 performances. Prior to its New York opening, West Side Story had its original try-out in Washington, DC.

The show opened to positive reviews and garnered six Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. It ended up taking home two Tonys; one for Best Choreography and another for Best Scenic Design.

In 1961, a motion picture adaptation of West Side Story was released. It was such a success, the movie became the second highest grossing film of the year and won 10 of the eleven Academy Awards for which it was nominated, including Best Picture.

This summer's production will mark West Side Story's first appearance at Way Off Broadway and its return to Frederick after well over a decade.

Way Off Broadway's production is led by Mary Ellen Cameron as Maria and Matt Rothenberg as Tony and features a cast that includes Federico Alvardo, Sarah Biggs, Sam Buchanan, William Bureau, Dino P. Coppa, Sr., Hannah Gutin-Creech, Kenzie Dumars, Daniel Hafer, Samn Huffer, Brady Love, Matthew A. Mastromatteo, Luis Montes, Jessica Preactor, Mallory Rome, Jordan B. Stocksdale, Jason Spiegel, Tori Weaver, and Tiara Whaley.

West Side Story runs from June 12th - August 29th, with performances every Friday and Saturday evening, and matinees on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sunday of each month. Tickets on a Friday evening and Sunday matinee are $44, with Saturday evening tickets being $48.

Way Off Broadway's production is directed by Bill Kiska, with choreography by Dee Buchanan, and music direction by Jordan B. Stocksdale.

For additional information, those interested can visit the theatre's website at www.wayoffbroadway.com. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 301.662.6600.

West Side Story will be followed this fall by the area premiere of the new musical comedy The Addams Family.