Playhouse Merced's WEST SIDE STORY Opens this Friday

"West Side Story," the dramatic musical that centers around two teenage street gangs in 1950s New York City, begins a three-weekend run on The Playhouse Merced mainstage Friday, May 31 at 7:30 pm.

"West Side Story" focuses on two teenagers, Tony, an American and Maria, a Puerto Rican. The two meet and fall in love, while their respective street gangs, the Jets and Sharks, are arranging a formal rumble to settle the score on the upper west side streets of New York City.

"West Side Story" debuted on Broadway in 1957, with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim ("Sweeney Todd" "Company" "Into the Woods") and a conception by Jerome Robbins. It ran for over 750 performances, and won several Tony Awards. Since that time, it has been revived for the stage many times, and performed all over the world. The 1961 movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Playhouse Merced's production is directed by Rob Hypes, musically directed by Brad Reed and choreographed by Noelle Chandler and Anthony Hughes. Tony is played by Merced resident Keegan McKenna and Maria is played by Modesto resident Rachel Pearre. The cast of close to 40 actors, singers and dancers spans the entire Central Valley.

This show is rated T = Teens 13 and up for mature subject matter and violence.

"West Side Story" opens Friday, May 31, 2013 and plays three weekends through June 16, 2013. Tickets are on sale now for Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 and Sunday matinees at 2:00. Tickets prices: Adults: $20.00; Seniors: $19.00; Students: $10.00; Children: $8.00. Purchase tickets by calling (209) 725-8587, or visiting the box office at 452 West Main in downtown Merced, Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 - 5:00.

Playhouse Merced is a community-based, non-profit, 501 (c) 3 organization seeking to entertain, educate and enlighten our audiences.

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