Columbus Children's Theatre to Present WEST SIDE STORY, 6/29-7/17

Columbus Children's Theatre (CCT) will present West Side Story June 29-July 17, 2016 at Park Street Theatre located at 512 Park Street. The 2016 Summer Pre-Professional Company is comprised of actors ages 16-22. This production is directed by David Bahgat and choreographed by Nikki Montana. Book by Arthur Laurents, Music by Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Based on Conception of Jerome Robbins, Based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

ABOUT THE SHOW
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.

With actors ranging from 16 to 22 years old, the Summer Pre-Professional Company brings a special connection to the themes and energy of West Side Story.

"We have so much hate going on in our country right now...We need to remind ourselves that we should not teach hate," said director David Bahgat, an alumnus of the Pre-Professional Company who played the role of Bernardo in the 2004 CCT production. "It will be thrilling to see these young adults tell the story seamlessly."

As Maria, Elizabeth Blanquera (a rising junior at Ohio State) is excited to explore the theme of "Love is Why" - the company's response to the CCT season theme of "Why We Tell the Story."

"Maria's capacity to love is her strength." says Blanquera, who will be portraying Maria for the second time in her career. "It is easy to view her as a naive girl who is blind to the world around her, but truly, she is the one who sees the most clearly. Her unwavering love for Tony has allowed her to see what is most important in life, and her conviction in her beliefs has the power to open the eyes of the people around her as well."

Emma Lou Andrews, who has been acting with CCT since age 9 and is a student at Fort Hayes High School and Career Center, said West Side Story has a valuable message.

"It is especially important right now to see the value in everyone and understand that cultural differences enrich society," Andrews said. "In West Side Story, we see how disastrous hate is, and things will only get better when we learn to understand each other."

Bahgat feels that "Love Is Why" is a theme our society needs to consider.

"I am firm believer that one should always chose to love. Love is powerful. Love is real," said Bahgat, who has directed two previous summer performances at CCT, including Grease last year. "We shouldn't embrace hate. As Maria says at the end of the story 'Well, now I can kill too, because now I have hate.' "

Bahgat is also excited to see all the facets of the show come together. "I am absolutely excited to see the three worlds collide. Acting, dancing and singing. This show is a wonderful collaboration between all three disciplines."

West Side Story is brought to you by season sponsors Greater Columbus Arts Council, The Columbus Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, The National Endowment for the Arts, O'Neill Foundation, American Electric Power, The Shubert Foundation and Nationwide.

Tickets are $15 for all seats, all ages. No Thrifty Thursday pricing during the summer. Reservations are recommended. Group rates are available. Please contact the Ticket Office for more at 614.224.6672 or www.ColumbusChildrensTheatre.org.

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