Something's Coming, Something Good to Queensland Conservatorium

Love and death. Romance and rivalry.

Welcome to West Side Story, the Queensland Conservatorium's main stage musical for 2017.

The show will lead the Queensland Conservatorium's 60th anniversary line-up. West Side Story also celebrates its 60th next year, after debuting to rave reviews on Broadway in 1957.

Hailed as 'the greatest musical of all time', the show features a Grammy-winning score by legendary composer Leonard Bernstein and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, including hits like Maria, America, Somewhere, Tonight and I Feel Pretty.

Inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is set in New York's Upper West Side in the mid-1950s where racial and social tensions have reached boiling point.

The blockbuster production will feature a triple cast, comprising the entire music theatre school, accompanied by the Queensland Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra.

The production will be directed by musical theatre impresario and Brisbane Powerhouse Artistic Director Kris Stewart.

Mr Stewart said he was excited to work with the Queensland Conservatorium's musical theatre students.

"This production will give the students a chance to tackle one of the biggest shows in the musical theatre canon," he said.

"It will be an extraordinary challenge, but if you want to test yourself as an artist and hone your skills, you have to shoot for the stars."

Mr Stewart said that audiences were in for a treat, with the production featuring a full dance ensemble and symphony.

"It's a rare chance to see the show as it was intended," he said.

"It is difficult to do in a standard commercial production."

Queensland Conservatorium Head of Musical Theatre Associate Professor Paul Sabey said Brisbane audiences would be able to catch up and coming musical theatre stars in action.

"We have an incredibly talented group of young performers who are tackling some of musical theatre's most iconic roles, show-stopping songs and dazzling dance numbers," he said.

It's the type of opportunity given to students throughout their degree at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University that ensures they become well-rounded performers.

"It's vital they leave us with the skill set that will enable them to tackle any role, on any stage," according to Associate Professor Sabey.

"A show like West Side Story gives them the chance to work with industry professionals and perform on the main stage in front of a wider audience."

This is the perfect Christmas gift for musical theatre fans. For the best seats, lowest prices, and exclusive privileges, book now.

WHAT: West Side Story

WHEN: 27 Jul to 5 August 2017

WHERE: Queensland Conservatorium Theatre, 140 Grey Street, South Bank

WHEN: 1pm Wed / 2:30pm Sat / 7:30pm, Thu, Fri, Sat

TICKETS: $15-$45

BOOKING: Qtix

Kris Stewart, Director
Kris Stewart is the Artistic Director of the Brisbane Powerhouse. He was recently the Director of New Musicals Australia and the founding Executive Director of the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF), the world's largest annual musical theatre event. Kris has worked as Resident Director of the musical Wicked in Australia for the Gordon/Frost Organization, which has been seen by more than a million audience members.

Christopher Horsey, Choreographer
Christopher Horsey is an Australian dancer, choreographer, teacher and actor. He is a founding member of Tap Dogs and has starred in and choreographed musicals including Hot Shoe Shuffle, Chicago, Singin' in the Rain, Guys & Dolls, and West Side Story.

Book by Arthur Laurents
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Based on a Concept by Jerome Robbins
Entire Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerome Robbins

Originally produced on Broadway by Robert E Griffith and Harold S Prince by arrangement with Roger L Stevens. By arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd exclusive agent for Music Theatre International (NY).

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