WEST SIDE STORY at Orlando Shakespeare Theatre

Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) in Partnership with UCF is thrilled to present the internationally acclaimed American musical, West Side Story from September 7 - October 9, 2016 in the Margeson Theater. Featuring a talented mix of international theater players, Central Florida favorites, and a live orchestra, West Side Story will kick off the Theater's upcoming 28th Season Signature Series. Tickets to West Side Story are available now by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).

West Side Story tells the epic love story of idealistic young lovers Maria and Tony as they find themselves caught between rival street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence, and prejudice is one of the most beautiful, heart-wrenching, and relevant musical dramas of our time. West Side Story's legendary jazz, Latin, and classical-inspired score features the treasured songs "Maria," "Tonight," "I Feel Pretty," and "America."

"After our wildly successful runs of LES MISERABLES and Monty Python's SPAMALOT, we're thrilled to continue our tradition of bringing award-winning Broadway musicals to Central Florida with our production of West Side Story," said West Side Story Director Jim Helsinger. "This classic American musical, inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, is a lot more than a spectacular stage production. With themes of ethnic prejudice, taboo romantic relationships, and gang related violence, West Side Story is just as relevant in today's society as it was when it first made its debut on Broadway 59 years ago."

Marc Koeck* makes his Orlando Shakes debut performance as Tony. Most recently, Koeck starred as Tony in Asolo Repertory Theatre's production of West Side Story and as John Jasper in New London Barn Playhouse's production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Additional credits include Camelot (New Repertory Theatre) and Legally Blonde (Ocean State Theatre Co.).

Also new to Orlando Shakes is Carly Evans*, taking on the role of Maria. Evans has previously played the lead role of Maria in West Side Story at Ogunquit Playhouse and Westchester Broadway Theatre. Other past credits include The Fantasticks (Flat Rock Playhouse), The Last 5 Years (The State Theatre), Doubt (Penn State Centre Stage), and Sweeney Todd (Penn State Centre Stage).

Karli Dinardo joins the cast as Anita. Dinardo has taken on the role of Anita for three other productions of West Side Story (Carnegie Hall, John W. Engeman Theater, and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival). Additional credits include Flashdance The Musical (National Tour), Revolution in the Elbow of Ragnar Agnarsson Furniture Painter (Off-Broadway NYC), and 42nd Street(Arts Center of Coastal Carolina).

Following his appearance in the West Side Story Revival National Tour, Drew Foster* will be taking on the role of Riff. Recent credits include Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare Theater of DC),Romeo and Juliet (Dallas Theater Center), and The Last Goodbye (The Old Globe).

Marco Antonio Santiago* appears as Bernardo. Santiago has previously playEd Bernardo in Actor's Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre's production of West Side Story. Other recent credits include The Little Mermaid (Alabama Shakespeare Festival) and Zapata! The Musical (The New York Musical Theatre Festival).

Julian Alvarez* takes on the role of Chino. Alvarez has previously played the role of Chino in Sadler's Wells Theatre's (London/WestEnd) production of West Side Story and during the European/Asian Tour of West Wide Story. Additional credits include Rent (Bristol Riverside Theater) and The King and I (Ogunquit Playhouse).

Mark Ferrera joins the cast as Doc. Past credits include Peter and the Starcatcher, Bad Dog, and The Merry Wives of Windsor.

The West Side Story ensemble includes Tyler Schank, Jordan Bell*, Tony Pracek, Bryan Manley*, Trevor Starr, Gabrielle Toledo, Ansley Van Epps*, Laura Mansoori, Jandrea Novak, Lindsey Wells, Tara Osbourne, Erick Sureda, Salvatore Vieira, Ellis Endsley, Maxel Garcia, Catie Pires-Fernandez, AlejandrA Martinez, Melanie Ferber, Emma Clark, Kelsey Morales, Eric Eichenlaub, Kody Grassett, and Duncan Bahr.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida.This project is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

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