Phoenix Productions to Present WEST SIDE STORY This July

Phoenix Productions will present its revival of West Side Story at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank for a two-weekend run beginning July 14th.

From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. The book and score is written by Arthur Laurents, Stephen Sondheim, and Leonard Bernstein widely regarded as one of the best ever written, with original concept and choreography by the world-renowned Jerome Robbins (who can forget the finger snapping of the street gangs).

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to 1950s New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs. The "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice in a musical considered one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and continually relevant musical dramas of our time. Timeless songs such as "Tonight", "Maria", "America", and "Somewhere" composed by Leonard Bernstein, together with the haunting and deeply moving story, make this a classic masterpiece. To this day, West Side Story is the undisputed Number 1 of American musical theatre: daring, realistic, and as relevant as it was on the day of its premiere.

Featured in the cast are the star-crossed lovers Mason Kugelman and Christa Dalmazio as Tony and Maria. Chris Lorenc appears as Riff, Tony's best friend and the feisty leader of the Jets, while Matthew Giove appears as Bernardo, the proud leader of the Sharks. Alicia Dishon plays Anita, the fiery, bold and intelligent girlfriend of Bernardo and mentor to Anita.

Phoenix's revival brings this classic story to life on the Count Basie stage, with sets, costumes, and a live orchestra. Performances of West Side Story will begin July 14th for a two-weekend run concluding on July 23rd. Friday and Saturday night performances begin at 8pm, and Sunday matinee performances begin at 3pm. Tickets are available at the Count Basie Theatre Box Office and can be purchased in person at 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, N.J, by phone at 732-842-9000, or online at www.countbasietheatre.org.

Phoenix Productions is a Red Bank based non-profit community theatre organization that has produced more than a hundred full-scale revivals of Broadway musicals since 1988. For more information on Phoenix Productions or upcoming shows, visit www.phoenixredbank.com.