Ross Lekites News

West Side Story is arguably one of the most well known and beloved musicals of all time, and Toronto audiences have a chance to see this gorgeous new production for the next four weeks. Featuring some original Spanish dialogue and gorgeous sets and costumes, the show is fresh, energetic and yet timeless at the same time.

When the national touring production of WEST SIDE STORY made its way to the OHIO THEATER last night, I embraced the opportunity to re-visit this 1957 Arthur Laurents' adaptation of Shakespeare's 'ROMEO AND JULIET' and experience the delight of what is truly timeless about classic musical theater.

WEST SIDE STORY is currently touring the country, and now stars Ross Lekites as Tony, Evy Ortiz as Maria, Michelle Aravena as Anita, Drew Foster as Riff and German Santiago as Bernardo. Also featured are Mike Boland as Schrank, Stephen DeRosa as Glad Hand, Jon Drake as Action, Wally Dunn as Krupke, Alexandra Frohlinger as Anybodys, Jay Garcia as Chino, Casey Garvin as Diesel, Nathan Keen as Big Deal, Harris Milgrim as Snowboy, John O'Creagh as Doc, Christopher Rice as Baby John, Clay Thomson as A-rab, along with Karolina Blonski, Alicia Charles, Lauryn Ciardullo, Dean Andre De Luna, Lori Ann Ferreri, Ryan Ghysels, Tim Hausmann, Nicole Hellman, Laura Irion, Thayne Jasperson, Gizel Jimenez, Eric Anthony Johnson, Patrick Ortiz, Kristen Paulicelli, Christie Portera, Waldemar Quinones-Villanueva, Alexandra Blake Redelico, Michael Scirrotto, Jeffrey C. Sousa, Dani Spieler, Jessica Swesey, Kathryn Lin Terza and Kirstin Tucker.

WEST SIDE STORY is currently touring the country, and now stars Ross Lekites as Tony, Evy Ortiz as Maria, Michelle Aravena as Anita, Drew Foster as Riff and German Santiago as Bernardo. Also featured are Mike Boland as Schrank, Stephen DeRosa as Glad Hand, Jon Drake as Action, Wally Dunn as Krupke, Alexandra Frohlinger as Anybodys, Jay Garcia as Chino, Casey Garvin as Diesel, Nathan Keen as Big Deal, Harris Milgrim as Snowboy, John O'Creagh as Doc, Christopher Rice as Baby John, Clay Thomson as A-rab, along with Karolina Blonski, Alicia Charles, Lauryn Ciardullo, Dean Andre De Luna, Lori Ann Ferreri, Ryan Ghysels, Tim Hausmann, Nicole Hellman, Laura Irion, Thayne Jasperson, Gizel Jimenez, Eric Anthony Johnson, Patrick Ortiz, Kristen Paulicelli, Christie Portera, Waldemar Quinones-Villanueva, Alexandra Blake Redelico, Michael Scirrotto, Jeffrey C. Sousa, Dani Spieler, Jessica Swesey, Kathryn Lin Terza and Kirstin Tucker.

The tour of the Broadway revival of WEST SIDE STORY is coming to St. Louis. WEST SIDE STORY will close at The Fox Theatre on February 26, 2012.

There have been any number of renowned re-imaginings of Shakespeare. But, easily one of the finest to have been conceived is the musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, WEST SIDE STORY. One thing that makes it so special is the way that Leonard Bernstein's dramatic orchestral score meshes so perfectly with Stephen Sondheim's lyrical contributions, and how Arthur Laurent's clever book replaces the feuding families of the original work with rival gangs of different races. And, there no denying the ground-breaking choreography and direction that Jerome Robbins brought to the table. The combination of acrobatics, ballet, and modern dance requires exceptional athleticism. Thankfully, the current production playing the Fox Theatre is an exciting and thoroughly entertaining version that's brought to life by an exuberant and talented cast.

The tour of the Broadway revival of WEST SIDE STORY is coming to St. Louis. WEST SIDE STORY will open at The Fox Theatre on Tuesday, February 14, 2012.

The national tour of "West Side Story," which visits Broadway Sacramento at the Community Center now through January 29, updates a classic, not with modern reinventions and sets, but with a somewhat darker take on the musical's Romeo and Juliet story, as well as with new Spanish dialogue added for a more authentic and balanced feel. But much of the production stays true to tradition, magically recreating Jerome Robbin's original choreography and paying tribute to all the original Leonard Bernstein songs, including "Something's Coming," "Tonight," "One Hand, One Heart," "I Feel Pretty" and "Somewhere." The cast, too, sticks to the show's roots while providing outstanding vocal performance, and James Youmans' basic sets keep the production simple.

For certain shows there's really nothing like a big, fully realized production complete with all the professional singers and dancers that only Broadway can provide. "West Side Story" is definitely one of those shows with its killer Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim songs and Jerome Robbins choreography; usually only professionals can cut it. And although the current touring production at the Paramount is lacking a bit of the heart and with one almost unforgivable technical gaff, it's definitely got the professionals to being it to life.

The tour of the Broadway revival of WEST SIDE STORY is coming to St. Louis. WEST SIDE STORY will open at The Fox Theatre on Tuesday, February 14, 2012.

Multi-Tony award winning choreographer and director Jerome Robbins gives us a contemporary version of Arthur Laurents' classic book. Unfortunately, I did not care for several of Robbins' creative liberties.

The tour of the smash hit Broadway revival of WEST SIDE STORY is coming to SAN JOSE. WEST SIDE STORY will open at the SAN JOSE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS on Tuesday, January 17, 2012. Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents' Broadway direction will be recreated for the tour by David Saint, the Associate Director on Broadway. The original Jerome Robbins choreography is reproduced by Tony Award-nominee Joey McKneely (The Boy from Oz, The Life).

WEST SIDE STORY is currently touring the country, and now stars Ross Lekites as Tony, Evy Ortiz as Maria, Michelle Aravena as Anita, Drew Foster as Riff and German Santiago as Bernardo. Also featured are Mike Boland as Schrank, Stephen DeRosa as Glad Hand, Jon Drake as Action, Wally Dunn as Krupke, Alexandra Frohlinger as Anybodys, Jay Garcia as Chino, Casey Garvin as Diesel, Nathan Keen as Big Deal, Harris Milgrim as Snowboy, John O'Creagh as Doc, Christopher Rice as Baby John, Clay Thomson as A-rab, along with Karolina Blonski, Alicia Charles, Lauryn Ciardullo, Dean Andre De Luna, Lori Ann Ferreri, Ryan Ghysels, Tim Hausmann, Nicole Hellman, Laura Irion, Thayne Jasperson, Gizel Jimenez, Eric Anthony Johnson, Patrick Ortiz, Kristen Paulicelli, Christie Portera, Waldemar Quinones-Villanueva, Alexandra Blake Redelico, Michael Scirrotto, Jeffrey C. Sousa, Dani Spieler, Jessica Swesey, Kathryn Lin Terza and Kirstin Tucker.

Casting has just been announced for the second year of the national tour of the smash-hit revival WEST SIDE STORY. Star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria will be played by Ross Lekites and Evy Ortiz, respectively. Drew Foster, the tour's original Action, now stars as Riff. Mike Boland, the tour's original Krupke, now stars as Schrank. The tour also welcomes Jon Drake as Action, Wally Dunn as Krupke, Casey Garvin as Diesel, Harris Milgrim as Snowboy, Christopher Rice as Baby John and Clay Thomson as A-rab. Laura Irion, Gizel Jimenez and Eric Anthony Johnson join as new ensemble members.