Chance Theatre Presents WEST SIDE STORY, 7/14 - 8/12

Anaheim Hills, California…Chance Theater is thrilled to present the third show of its 2012 season
with the legendary musical of our time, like you have never seen it before, WEST SIDE STORY, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Arthur Laurents, musical direction by Robyn Wallace, choreography by Kelly Todd and directed by Chance Theater's Artistic Director Oanh Nguyen. WEST SIDE STORY will preview on Friday, July 6 & Saturday, July 7 at 8pm; Sunday, July 8 at 2pm; Thursday, July 12 & Friday, July 13 at 8pm and will open on Saturday, July 14 at 8pm and continue through Sunday, August 12 at the Chance Theater, 5552 E. La Palma Ave. in Anaheim Hills.

More than fifty years ago, a show about rival gangs in New York City changed musical theater forever. Now, see it again like you have never seen it before as the Chance Theater brings a completely re-imagined and unexpected staging to its theater. As powerful and timely today as ever, WEST SIDE STORY is one of the greatest love stories of all time, filled with such classic Bernstein/Sondheim songs like "Tonight," "America," "Maria," "I Feel Pretty" and "Somewhere." This July, Chance Theater will take a fresh, contemporary look at this timeless exploration of ethnic tensions and youthful passion, giving new impact and energy to the story that has captured audiences hearts and imaginations for decades in a thrilling new production that is sure to be the most talked about musical event of the Summer!

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM AND CAST

Oanh Nguyen (Director/Artistic Director) has been the founding artistic director of Chance Theater since 1999. He also serves as the Producing Associate at South Coast Repertory, where he's spearheading Studio SCR: the alterNative Theatre presenting series. Oanh is a recipient of TCG's New Generations Grant, the TCG Nathan Cummings Young Leaders of Color fellowship, and the Outstanding Artist Award by Arts Orange County. He was also awarded the Outstanding Artist Award by Arts Orange County and was inducted into Anaheim High School's Hall of Fame. Oanh serves on the advisory board of the Anaheim High School Performing Arts Conservatory and recently served 4 years on the board of the Network of Ensemble Theatres. He's a proud member of SDC, SAG and AFTRA. Directing credits include: west coast premiere of Po Boy Tango at East West Players, and at the Chance - the world premieres of The Boy in the Bathroom (Back Stage Critic's Pick) and The Girl, The Grouch, and The Goat by Tony Award winner Mark Hollmann, Porcelain (GLAAD Media Award Nomination, Back Stage Critic's Pick), Jesus Hates Me (remounted at South Coast Repertory), Rabbit Hole (Back Stage Critic's Pick), Hair (LA Weekly GO!, five Ovation Award and six LADCC Award nominations, including Best Director for both), Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter (Ovation Recommended), Reborning (Back Stage Critic's Pick), and The Who's Tommy (remounted at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, five Ovation Award nominations, including Best Director, three LADCC nominations, two Back Stage Garlands).

Kelly Todd (Choreographer) is a UCLA Theater graduate, has been a choreographer, director and dance teacher for twenty years and has directed and choreographed musicals in Los Angeles and New York. In 2011 she choreographed Jerry Springer: The Opera at The Chance Theater, which garnered her LA Drama Critics' Circle and Ovation Award Nominations for Best Choreography, and The Who's Tommy at The Segerstrom Center for the Arts to much critical acclaim. She has been a proud company member of Chance Theater for nearly eight years where her favorite projects have included the professional world premiere of The Girl, The Grouch, and The Goat, by the Tony Award-winning composer of Urinetown, Mark Hollman and HAIR for which she also received Ovation and LADCC nominations for Best Choreography. Over the years, other favorite choreography credits have included Cabaret, Chicago, A Chorus Line, Crazy For You, 42nd Street, Dreamgirls, and two original musicals, Keep Movin' On, featuring the music of Sam Cooke, and What's Going On, featuring the music of Marvin Gaye. Kelly is thrilled to be doing another musical with her "old friend" Oanh Nguyen after a three year hiatus.

ROBYN WALLACE (Music Director) is very honored and excited to have the opportunity to work with the Chance Theater for another production! Her experience working on their recent production of Rooms: A Rock Romance was amazing and this one proves to be just as wonderful! Most of Robyn's previous work as a musical director has been at California State University, Fullerton, where she recently graduated with her BA in Theatre Arts (Directing Emphasis). During her school career, she was given the opportunity to assistant musical direct Violet, and then went on to musical direct the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical revue A Grand Night for Singing, and I Love You, Because. Outside of the university, Robyn works extensively with children, having been the vocal director for numerous shows at Orange County Children's Theatre. Robyn also teaches private piano lessons, working with thirty students of all ages. Her music background is rooted in piano. She has taken sixteen years of private lessons, two of which were with a professor at Point Loma Nazarene University.

The cast of WEST SIDE STORY features: Tony: Keaton Williams, Maria: Gina Velez, Riff: Gasper Spinos, Anita: Chelsea Baldree, Bernardo: Robert Wallace, Action: BrIan Alexander, A-rab: Eric Ronquillo, Baby John: Eric Michael Parker, Diesel: Jackson Tobiska, Velma: Kellie Spill, Graziella: Dannielle Green, Minnie: Tasha Tormey, Clarice: Nikki Miller, Anybodys: Amanda Sylvia, Chino: Israel Cortez, Pepe: Anthony Obnial, Indio: Alex Uriostegui, Luis: Danny Marin, Rosalia: Elena Murray, Shark Girl: Rebecca Fondiler, Shark Girl: Makenzie Gomez, Doc: Frank Minano, Lt. Schrank: Michael Grenie, Officer Krupke: Joe Buford and Glad Hand: Patrick Birman.

WEST SIDE STORY has assembled an award-winning design team. The Scenic Design is by Bradley Kaye. The Costume Design is by Anthony Tran. The Lighting and Video Design is by KC Wilkerson. The Sound Design is by Dave Mickey. The Fight Choreography is by David McCormick. The Production Stage Manager is Courtny Greenough.

ABOUT THE SCHEDULE AND PRICING

WEST SIDE STORY will open on Saturday, July 14 (press opening) and perform through Sunday, August 12, 2012. Performances are Thursdays & Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 3pm & 8pm and Sundays at 2pm & 7pm.

Preview performances are: Friday, July 6 & Saturday, July 7 at 8pm; Sunday, July 8 at 2pm; Thursday, July 12 & Friday, July 13 at 8pm.
Tickets for all general performances are $45. Preview ticket prices are $35. All tickets can be purchased by calling (714) 777-3033 or by visiting www.chancetheatre.com.

Student, Senior and group discounts are available. (Groups call 1-714-900-3284).

CHANCE THEATER is located at 5552 E. La Palma Ave. in Anaheim Hills, Calif., 92807. Parking is free.