Broadway Vets to Lead CT Rep's WEST SIDE STORY

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) announces the casting for their production of the Broadway classic West Side Story with book by Arthur Laurents, Music by Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and based on a concept of Jerome Robbins. West Side Story will be directed and choreographed by Cassie Abate (CRT's Peter Pan, A Chorus Line, The Music Man) is the final show of the 2016 Nutmeg Sumer Series. Single tickets are currently sale at crt.uconn.edu or 860-486-2113.

Yurel Echezarreta of the original Broadway casts of Aladdin and Matilda, as well as the revival casts of La Cage Aux Folles (2010) and West Side Story (2009) will play gang leader Bernardo. Jose Luaces of Broadway's A Christmas Story and CRT's Peter Pan will play Indio.

CRT favorite Luke Hamilton (CRT's Xanadu, LES MISERABLES, Gypsy) will return as Tony and Julia Estrada will make her CRT debut as Maria. Bentley Black (National Tour of Queen's We Will Rock You) will play Tony's friend and Jet leader Riff. Gabriel Bernal (CRT's LES MISERABLES, Peter Pan, A Chorus Line) will play Anxious. John Bixler (Bratt in CRT's How To Succeed...) is Lt. Schrank/Gladhand, Nick Lawson (CRT's A Chorus Line) is Officer Krupke and Dale AJ Rose (CRT's Gypsy, Olives and Blood) is Doc.

One of the most beloved shows of the American musical canon closes out CRT's Nutmeg Summer Series. Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to New York City, as two young lovers find themselves torn between their love and their allegiance to rival street gangs. Arthur Laurents' book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim is widely regarded as one of the best ever written, featuring "Tonight", "America" and "Somewhere".

The ensemble includes Olivia Benson, Rebekah Morgan Berger, Dalton Bertolone, Brian Binion, Jacob Burns, Gerald Caesar, Susie Carroll, Tori Gresham, Caroline Iliff, Liam Johnson, Aaron Bennett Miller, Janayla Montes, TJ Newton, Alyssa Sarnoff, Cassidy Stoner, Adria Swan, Ty Taylor and Ross Thompson.

The creative team includes: Cassie Abate (Director/Choreographer), Vincent J. Cardinal (Artistic Director), NDavid Williams (Music Director), Tim Brown (Scenic/Projection Design), Christina Bullard (Costume Design), Michael Chybowski (Lighting Design), Michael Skinner (Sound Design), Tom Kosis (Production Stage Manager), Tom McDonough (Conductor/Pianist) and McCorkle Casting (New York Casting).

Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Matinee performances start at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Single ticket prices range from $12 to $55.

Children must be at least 4 years old to attend CRT productions. For additional ticket information or to charge tickets by phone, call 860.486.2113. All sales are final; no refunds. Play selections and performance dates are subject to change. Single tickets are now on sale.

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