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· In this re-conceived production of WEST SIDE STORY, the Jerome Robbins ballet-based choreography will be reimagined as urban street dance, with period-appropriate elements of hip-hop, stomp and acrobatics. The movement vocabulary will be one of strength, masculinity and athleticism, and will illustrate the characters' desperation to claim and hold their turf.
· Due to the re-conceived style of movement, all male dancers should be comfortable with the acrobatic and masculine elements of street dance
· Specific vocal types listed below for the roles that have special requirements.
· THE ROLES OF DOC, SCHRANK, KRUPKE AND GLAD HAND do not need to sing, dance or move.
TONY
20s, Caucasian. Good-natured, masculine, charismatic, a former gang-leader who is trying to find his way in the world as an adult. A dreamer, not ashamed to show his heart, but strong when he needs to be, and single-minded in his pursuit of his ideals. Will need to be a good mover and comfortable with “ballet-like” choreography for the “Somewhere” ballet. Lyric Baritone/Tenor Vocal range top: Bb4 Vocal range bottom: Bb2
MARIA
20s, Latina. Warm-hearted, effervescent, high-spirited, she is navigating the dividing line between the naiveté of girlhood and the awareness of womanhood. A mix of youthful innocence blended with strength, stubbornness and intelligence. Guided by her heart, and not afraid to let her passions lead her. Will need to be good mover and comfortable with “ballet-like” choreography for the “Somewhere” ballet. Legit Soprano Vocal range top: C6 Vocal range bottom: Bb3
BERNARDO
20s, Latino. Proud, intelligent, driven and sexual, he is the leader of the Sharks. Desperately trying to make a place for himself, he is passionate, street-hardened and has a chip on his shoulder. At the same time, he has a wicked sense of humor and sarcasm, and is loyal to his heritage and the people he loves. Baritone Vocal range top: Eb4 Vocal range bottom: Bb2. Dance requirements: classically trained with a street sensibility, tumbling and par core a plus.
ANITA
20s, Latina. Sharp-tongued, impassioned, highly sexual, she is Bernardo’s girlfriend. Savagely sarcastic, she squeezes every drop of humor and joy out of the life she has created. She is also quick to anger, and ferociously protective of her family. Alto/Mezzo Soprano Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: F3. Dance requirements: classically trained with a street sensibility, tumbling and parkour a plus.
RIFF
20s, Caucasian. Cocky and proud, but charismatic, he relishes his role as the new leader of the Jets. Struggling to maintain his turf and push back the perceived threat of the Sharks, he takes his job seriously. At the same time, he is a loyal friend, and is in many ways a boy in a man’s body. Tenor Vocal range top: G4 Vocal range bottom: Bb2. Dance requirements: classically trained with a street sensibility, tumbling and parkour a plus.
CHINO
20s, Latino. Shy, gentle, cautious, he is engaged to Maria and is deeply in love with her. An introvert who tries not to take up too much space, he is at the same time strongly devoted to his culture and to playing by the rules. He is a person who is in over his head, and is trying to do the right thing. Dance requirements: classically trained with a street sensibility, tumbling and parkour a plus.
ACTION
20s, Caucasian. Tightly wound, jumpy, aggressive, he is a coiled spring ready to burst. A proud member of the Jets, always ready for a fight, he is incensed by what he sees happening to his turf, and is constantly seething with anger and resentment. Dance requirements: classically trained with a street sensibility, tumbling and parkour a plus.
A-RAB
To play early 20s, Caucasian. Explosive, filled with youthful energy, he is one of the younger members of the Jets, and therefore always has something to prove. His only serious commitment is to his gang – everything else is a joke. Dance requirements: classically trained with a street sensibility, tumbling and parkour a plus.
BABY JOHN
To play late teens, early 20s, Caucasian. Sweet, innocent, a bit simple, he is the youngest member of the Jets. He is awed at everything, and is committed to proving his manhood, but is ultimately a child. Baritone F4-F5. Dance requirements: classically trained with a street sensibility, tumbling and parkour a plus.
ANYBODYS
To play late teens, early 20s, Female, Caucasian. Tomboyish, spunky, a fighter. She is a wannabe member of the Jets who is desperate to fit in with the guys. Tough, tenacious and streetwise, she is also a teenage girl who doesn’t quite fit anywhere. Tomboy and able to par core and dance (classically trained with a street sensibility).
DOC
40s to 60s, Caucasian. Owner of the drug store where the Jets hang out. Sweet tempered, caring and compassionate, he is appalled at the violence around him, and taken aback at his own helplessness to stop it. Has a paternal love for Tony, and wishes for a simpler time. DOES NOT SING OR DANCE
SCHRANK
Mid 30s to 50s, Caucasian. A plainclothes cop, he is a strong, commanding presence on the street. A smiling cobra, he uses his charm and pleasant manner as a tool to mask his inherent anger and disgust with the members of the street gangs. Threatened by the perceived threat to his turf, he is an angry, middle-aged white guy. DOES NOT SING OR DANCE
GLAD HAND
Late 20s to 30s, Caucasian. The man in charge of the Dance At The Gym. Over eager, cheerful to the point of annoyance, he is a square trying to be one of the cool kids. DOES NOT SING OR DANCE
KRUPKE
Mid 30s to 40s, Caucasian. A goon-like uniformed police officer. Not very bright, he relishes his power as a cop, and enjoys using the force of the law to intimidate the street kids. DOES NOT SING OR DANCE
Jets: 20’s. Actor/Singer/Dancers. Due to the re-conceived style of movement, all male dancers should be comfortable with the acrobatic and masculine elements of street dance. Athletic, aggressive, trained dancers with a street edge, tumbling a plus. There may be a small group of non-singing male dancers as well.
Sharks: 20’s. Actor/Singer/Dancers. Due to the re-conceived style of movement, all male dancers should be comfortable with the acrobatic and masculine elements of street dance. Athletic, aggressive, trained dancers with a street edge, tumbling a plus. There may be a small group of non-singing male dancers as well.
Jet Girls: 20’s. Caucasian. Sexy, athletic and classically trained, street edge and tumbling a plus (there will be a ballet combo at the audition)
Shark Girls: 20’s. Latina.Sexy, athletic and classically trained, street edge and tumbling a plus (there will be a ballet combo at the audition)
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