by Walter McBride • Jan 25, 2009
West Side Story returned to where it all began for the show in 1957, the National Theatre in Washington, DC. for the official out of town performance period. West Side Story played a limited engagement at the National with the final 'Somewhere' being sung on January 17th, 2009. The cast will next bring the classic story to life on the stage of The Palace Theatre on Febuary 23rd, the first scheduled preview performance. West Side Story's official Opening Night on Broadway is set for March 19th, 2009. Master Photographer Walter McBride was in Washington, D.C. to cover the Presidential Inaugural Celebration, while there he swung by the West Side Story 'load out' to give you an example of what it takes to 'take the show on the road' to Broadway!
The producers of West Side Story have assembled a dynamic cast for the new Broadway production. The cast of 37 stars Matt Cavenaugh (A Catered Affair, Grey Gardens) as 'Tony,' Karen Olivo (In the Heights) as 'Anita,' Cody Green (Movin' Out) as 'Riff' and George Akram (The Farrelly's Stuck on You) as 'Bernardo.' The role of 'Maria' will be played by Broadway newcomer Josefina Scaglione. The 21 year old actress comes directly, by special arrangement with Actors' Equity Association, from Buenos Aires after an exhaustive international search for the role. She created the role of Amber Von Tussle in the Argentinean production of Hairspray and the title role in Cinderella. Miss Scaglione is a classically trained opera singer who has received critical acclaim appearing as a soloist in the nation's most prestigious concert halls.