55 talented local performers bring this story to the
Mason High School Auditorium for four performances
The Children’s Theatre of Mason is proud to present WEST SIDE STORY, May 26-28 in Mason. Set in 1950s New York City, WEST SIDE STORY is a modern take on Shakespeare’s classic love story Romeo and Juliet.
The show will run for four performances – Friday, May 26th at 7:00pm; Saturday, May 27th at 2:00pm and 7:00pm; and Sunday, May 28th at 2:00pm. VIP reserved seating tickets can be purchased for the Friday and Saturday evening shows as well as the Sunday matinee for $25 each. General admission tickets for any show are $12 each. All tickets can be purchased online at www.ctm-kids.com through May 25th at 5pm and at the door starting one hour before each show.
In 1949, Jerome Robbins proposed an idea to Leonard Bernstein to write a musical based on Romeo and Juliet. The original story was to be called East Side Story, but the name was changed after an influx of Puerto Ricans became something people were talking about on the West Side of New York City. In 1955, Stephen Sondheim joined the group to write the lyrics and a year and a half later WEST SIDE STORY prepared to make it’s Broadway debut. While the stage version of WEST SIDE STORY lost to The Music Man for Best New Musical at the Tony Awards in 1958, the film version, which was released in 1961, won 10 Academy Awards making it the most awarded musical in history.
WEST SIDE STORY is the story of two young idealistic lovers from opposing gangs and different cultures who find themselves caught in the middle of a gang war. In a place and time where most are struggling for economic survival, the “American” Jets see their territory and jobs being taken by Puerto Rican immigrants. The newly immigrated “Sharks” feel the sting of rejection and suspicion for being outsiders. As tensions escalate, the couple hopes their love can overcome all obstacles and be a bridge to bring the two gangs and cultures together before violence creates an even bigger divide.
WEST SIDE STORY is a memorable and tragic look at 1950s New York City, but its landmark story and message are still as relevant today as the day they were written. From the worst of human emotions to our best, WEST SIDE STORY shows the struggle for love and compassion to overcome prejudice and ignorance. Karen Kilgore, President of The Children’s Theatre of Mason says, “No other show quite captures the polarizing qualities like WEST SIDE STORY. It produces a show that is both rough and tender, realistic and haunting, old fashion but as current as tomorrow’s news.”
Fans can follow The Children’s Theatre of Mason on Facebook (Children’s Theatre of Mason, Inc. – CTM), Twitter (@CTMkids) and Instagram (CTMKIDS).
About The Children’s Theatre of Mason
CTM produces two large-scale productions each season, from “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “Les Miserables” to “South Pacific” and “Annie” as well as many other popular favorites. CTM offers children from ages 7-18 from all over the Cincinnati area the opportunity to take part onstage as performers as well as off stage as crew members, make-up assistants and many other behind-the-scenes roles. To volunteer, donate or learn more, visit www.CTM-kids.com or call 513.398.0116.
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