West Side Story is full of fire and passion

Fiery West Side Story Comes to Phoenix Theatre

Phoenix Theatre, in downtown Phoenix, is proud to present West Side Story for a limited engagement, Sept. 5 – Oct. 14, 2018. The three-time Tony® Award-winning musical about star-crossed love and racial tension is relevant, raw and more poignant now than ever.

Phoenix audiences will be mesmerized by the contemporary Romeo and Juliet story about two lovers yearning to be together even though their respective gangs, family and friends will do anything to keep them apart. West Side Story is one of the most performed musical theatre productions in American history, spanning nearly six decades.

"West Side Story is full of fire and passion,” said Michael Barnard, producing artistic director for Phoenix Theatre. “It's violent, it's sexual, it's rife with tension just on the verge of explosion. Our production pushes all of those tensions to the surface in a way that's incredibly relevant today.”

Set in the streets of New York City, West Side Story tells the story of rival gangs, the white Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks, and social problems they face including immigration, racism, and violence. When Tony falls for Maria, their respective gangs go to war and in the end, no one wins.

Phoenix Theatre’s production of West Side Story, directed by Barnard, showcases both familiar faces and fresh talent. Last seen as Jack in Newsies, James Gish will star as Tony alongside Phoenix Theatre newcomer, Joy Del Valle, playing Maria. Local favorites Alyssa Chiarello and Eddie Maldonado will play Anita and Bernardo, last seen in Little Shop of Horrors and Godspell, respectively.

Phoenix Theatre’s production includes unforgettable and well-known songs like Maria, America, and Somewhere, and passionate, high-energy dance numbers.