Theatre By The Sea's WEST SIDE STORY Begins This Month

Bill Hanney's award winning Theatre By The Sea (TBTS) presents the beloved musical classic, WEST SIDE STORY. Shakespeare's immortal 'Romeo & Juliet' is transported to 20th century New York City, where two idealistic young lovers, with only their love in common, find themselves caught between warring street gangs and clashing cultures. WEST SIDE STORY runs from Wednesday, June 22 thru Saturday, July 16, 2016.

"We continue the season with a true American classic musical, West Side Story," said TBTS owner and producer Bill Hanney. "With its legendary score, iconic dance numbers, and passionate tale of star-crossed lovers, the musical will captivate today's audience the same way it did when it premiered on Broadway 60 years ago."

First presented on Broadway in 1957, WEST SIDE STORY was conceived, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. The show was originally nominated for seven Tony Awards and won for choreography and set design. The stage musical was subsequently turned into a film in 1960 which won ten Academy Awards and the musical has received two major Broadway revivals.

West Side Story is a true masterpiece that not only established the genius of composer Leonard Bernstein and director/choreographer Jerome Robbins, but also launched the career of lyricist (and future musical theater giant) Stephen Sondheim. The show's score, with songs such as "Tonight," "America," "Maria," "I Feel Pretty," and "Somewhere (There's A Place For Us)," has become a permanent part of our nation's musical heritage.

The cast of WEST SIDE STORY will feature Bronson Norris Murphy and Evy Ortiz as the star crossed lovers Tony and Maria. They will be joined by Dana Hunter and Alexander Cruz as Anita and Bernardo. The cast also includes Danid Nick Alea (Toro), Roberto Araujo (Pepe), Hannah Balagot (Anybodys), Joshua Christensen (Lt. Schrank), Colin Shea Denniston (Snowboy), Jean-Pierre Ferragamo (Officer Krupke), Tom Gleadow (Doc), Danielle Marie Gonzalez-Quevedo (Teresita), Nicolette Hernandez (Francesca), Karma Jenkins (Rosalia), Dennis Keohane (Glad Hand), Cody Knable (swing), Chelsea Langevin (Velma), Colin Lee (Action), Tyler John Logan (Riff), Christopher Morrissey (Diesel/us Riff), Eric B. Mota (Chino), Pedro Rangel (Big Deal), Syndney Mei Ruf-Wong (Consuela), Zanza Steinberg (Graziella), Lamont Walker (Luis), Davis Wayne (A-Rab), Josh Zacher (Baby John). will serve as a swing.

The creative team for WEST SIDE STORY is led by director Bob Richard (Director) and Diane Laurenson (Choreographer). The team also includes Sam Bagala (Music Direction), Kyle Dixon (Scenic Design), David Costa-Cabral (Costume Designer) Jose Santiago (Lighting Design), Leon Rothenberg (Sound Design), Michael Dates (Wig Design), Talia Krispel (Production Stage Manager), and Meg Tracy Leddy (Assistant Stage Manager). WEST SIDE STORY is produced for Theatre By The Sea by Bill Hanney (Owner/Producer), Kevin P. Hill (Producing Artistic Director), and Thom Warren (Associate Producer).

WEST SIDE STORY plays June 22 - July 16, 2016. Tickets are $47, $57, & $67. Performances are Tuesdays through Sundays, please check the website for exact dates and show times as they vary week to week. Tickets are available by phone (401) 782-8587, online at theatrebythesea.com, or in person at 364 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. 4 Show discount subscriptions are still available, call the Box Office for pricing and information. The 2016 Season is sponsored by WJAR - NBC 10.

Once again, Theatre By The Sea's notorious Late Night Cabaret will be performed by the cast and staff following every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening show. The cabaret is performed by the cast and theatre staff at Bistro By The Sea, the onsite restaurant at Theatre by The Sea. There is no cabaret on the first weekend of each show.

The 2016 Summer Musical Season will continue with The Wizard of Oz (July 20 - August 13, and Sister Act (August 17 - September 4). The popular Friday morning Children's Festival includes Snow White (July 8), Lucky Bob (July 15), Disney's Alice In Wonderland Jr. (July 29), Aladdin (August 5), and Keith Michael Johnson's Bubbleology (August 12). All shows at 10am & 12 Noon and all tickets are $12.