West Side Story - Auditions December 16, 2008

FREE Audition Preparation Session The classic "Romeo and Juliet" tragic romance is updated to the tenements of New York City in this Oscar-winning musical landmark. American Tony and Puerto Rican Maria find love despite the explosive racial tensions between their families and friends. Their love grows while the hostility mounts between rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Tony's best friend Riff of the Jets and Maria's brother Bernardo of the Sharks lead their respective gangs into a battle that ends in tragedy. The young lovers struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice in one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of the 20th Century. Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim Music: Leonard Bernstein Book: Arthur Laurents Based on the conception of Jerome Robbins Based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet Director: Robert J. Sorbera Music Director: Brent E. Marty Choreographer: Michael Worcel Rehearsals: Starting Jan. 5 at 7pm Performance Dates: Mar. 13 - Mar. 29 (Thu. - Sun.) Principal Roles(vocal range) Tony - former Jet leader gone straight (tenor or high baritone) Maria - Puerto Rican ingA(C)nue, Bernardo's sister (soprano) Riff - quick-tempered leader of the Jets (baritone) Bernardo - Maria's brother, leader of the Sharks Anita - Maria's saucy older friend, Bernardo's girl (mezzo-soprano) Chino - Maria's angry young suitor, Bernardo's friend Anybodys - a tagalong tomboy Singing/Dancing Ensemble - The Jets, The Jets' Girls, The Sharks, The Sharks' Girls Additional roles - Doc, Detective Schrank, Officer Krupke, Glad Hand.