WEST SIDE STORY Cast Gives The Tony Award-Winning Classic New Life at Orlando Shakespeare Theater

Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) in Partnership with UCF is thrilled to present the internationally acclaimed American musical, West Side Story from September 7 - October 9, 2016 in the Margeson Theater. Featuring a talented mix of international theater players, Central Florida favorites, and a live orchestra, West Side Story will kick off the Theater's upcoming 28th Season Signature Series. Tickets to West Side Story are available now by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).

West Side Story tells the epic love story of idealistic young lovers Maria and Tony as they find themselves caught between rival street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence, and prejudice is one of the most beautiful, heart-wrenching, and relevant musical dramas of our time. West Side Story's legendary jazz, Latin, and classical-inspired score features the treasured songs "Maria," "Tonight," "I Feel Pretty," and "America."

"After our wildly successful runs of LES MISERABLES and Monty Python's SPAMALOT, we're thrilled to continue our tradition of bringing award-winning Broadway musicals to Central Florida with our production of West Side Story," said West Side Story Director Jim Helsinger. "This classic American musical, inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, is a lot more than a spectacular stage production. With themes of ethnic prejudice, taboo romantic relationships, and gang related violence, West Side Story is just as relevant in today's society as it was when it first made its debut on Broadway 59 years ago."

West Side Story is presented by Massey Services with additional support from Dr. Phillips Charities, University of Central Florida Office of the President, and the University of Central Florida College of Arts & Humanities.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater recognizes its 28th Season Producing Partners: John and Rita Lowndes, Ken and Trisha Margeson, Albert and Elisabeth Prast, Jim and Diana Barnes, Toni Jennings, Frank Santos and Dan Dantin, Jim and Valerie Shapiro, Bryce L. West, Gordon and Susan Arkin, Suzanne E. Gilbert, Stephen Goldman and Melanie Love, Grant Gribble and Jack Hanson, Jack Lord and Adam Hunter, Dr. Francille MacFarland, Lester and Sonia Mandell, A. Brian Phillips, Dr. Rick Schell and Scott Joseph, Simon and Ellen Snyder, Chuck and Margery Pabst Steinmetz, Dr. Mary Palmer, Alexis C. Pugh, Ed and Cheryl Timberlake, and Dr. Jessica Vaught.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida.This project is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.