Alexander Gil Cruz News

West Side Story is running now through June 23 at 5th Avenue Theatre.

I used to hate Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim's "West Side Story". My only exposure was the movie and I found the story flat and unconvincing. I mean, an entire song just repeating her name? Geeze, learn how to write a lyric. But then a touring production came through town and they got it. They understood what they were singing about and knew how to convey it. And then I got it too. He only needs the one word because it's all he wants to hear. And I fell in love with the show but only when it's done well. Since then I've seen many productions of varying levels of quality. Now comes the current production from the 5th Avenue Theatre and Spectrum Dance Theatre and while it has some moments and some good dance sequences thanks to choreographer Bob Richards who did his darnedest to reproduce the original Jerome Robbins choreography, it lacks the ability to convey the story and the love thanks to some lackluster lead performances and staging and intent from director Bill Berry that just didn't get it.

BroadwayWorld has a first look at The 5th Avenue Theatre's West Side Story, the sweeping musical version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet set in the turbulent streets of New York City, where a star-crossed love blossoms between rival gangs.

BroadwayWorld has a first look in rehearsals for The 5th Avenue Theatre's West Side Story, the sweeping musical version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet set in the turbulent streets of New York City, where a star-crossed love blossoms between rival gangs. 

The 5th Avenue Theatre has announced the full cast for West Side Story, the sweeping musical version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet set in the turbulent streets of New York City, where a star-crossed love blossoms between rival gangs. William Branner (National Tour: Bat Out Of Hell, Off-Broadway: Kragtar: An American Monster Musical) joins the cast to star as Tony, replacing the previously announced CJ Eldred.

The 5th Avenue Theatre has announced initial casting for West Side Story, the sweeping tale of young lovers caught between prejudice and warring street gangs in what is one of the most important and powerful musicals of all time.

Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical IN THE HEIGHTS will delight Cincinnati audiences this winter at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park beginning Jan. 19, 2019. The Broadway hit, which won four Tony Awards including best musical and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, runs through Feb. 17, 2019. Official opening night is Jan. 24, 2019.

Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents In the Heights, the 2008 Tony Award winner for Best Musical by Hamilton creator Lin Manuel Miranda in the Quadracci Powerhouse through October 28, 2018. Check out the cast in action below!

Milwaukee Repertory Theater  presents In the Heights, the 2008 Tony Award winner for Best Musical by Hamilton creator Lin Manuel Miranda in the Quadracci Powerhouse this September 18 - October 28, 2018.

BroadwayWorld has an inside look at Milwaukee Repertory Theater's Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights with music and lyrics by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and book by Quiara Alegria Hudes. Check out rehearsal clips below!

Milwaukee Repertory Theater  presents In the Heights, the 2008 Tony Award winner for Best Musical by Hamilton creator Lin Manuel Miranda in the Quadracci Powerhouse this September 18 - October 28, 2018.

PETER PAN, the high-flying Tony© Award-winning musical, follows the adventures of Peter Pan and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, as they visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust, they begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. From ticking crocodiles, to fierce warriors, bungling pirates and the villainous Captain Hook himself, this fun classic will delight all ages. With its iconic score featuring songs like 'I'm Flying,' 'I Gotta Crow,' 'I Won't Grow Up' and 'Never Never Land,' PETER PAN is the perfect show for the child in all of us!

Milwaukee Repertory Theater is pleased to announce the complete cast and creative team for the Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights with music and lyrics by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and book by Quiara Alegria Hudes. 

Bill Hanney's award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) continues the 2018 Musical Season with the family favorite musical, PETER PAN, set to take flight beginning on Tuesday, July 10 and playing through Sunday, July 22.

This holiday season Lorna Luft, the beloved performer and daughter of film and television icon Judy Garland, will star as Louise in The 5th Avenue Theatre's new production of Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn, which began rehearsals this week.

Victoria Theatre Association opens the 2017-2018 Premier Health Broadway Series with Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony Award-winning musical, IN THE HEIGHTS, Oct. 2-8 at the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center.

James A. Rocco, Broadway veteran and Producing Artistic Director of The Ordway, and Alberto Justiniano, Founding Member and Artistic Director of Teatro del Pueblo, conclude a creative collaboration with Friday, September 15th opening of Lin Manuel-Miranda's IN THE HEIGHTS at The Ordway. IN THE HEIGHTS opened on Broadway in 2008 and won Tony Awards for Best Musical, Choreography, Orchestration, and Score. Lin Manuel-Miranda wrote the music and lyrics and Quiara Alegria Hudes wrote the book. The show explores the cultural integrity of New York City's Washington Heights neighborhood as American-born children of immigrants struggle to balance the importance of tradition with the inevitability of change.

In his second stop at St. Paul's Ordway Center, Justin Gregory Lopez plays Usnavi in IN THE HEIGHTS and in this interview, gives us fans a fun story about his early association with Lin-Manuel Miranda, his candid thoughts on living in Manhattan and respect for TC theatre.

West Side StoryThe Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is presenting West Side Story now through April 16. Click below to watch highlights from the show!

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is presenting West Side Story now through April 16. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!