We are an independent show guide. Resale ticket prices may be above face value.

West Side Story at Benedum Center

Why see West Side Story?

Experience The Musical Theatre Classic

Don't miss this local production of this iconic musical

In 1957, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Jerome Robbins solidified their musical theatre legend status when the dazzling West Side Story leaped onto Broadway. Fusing mounting tensions of artfully danced street warfare and an arresting Rome-and-Juliet-esque romance, the all-singing, all-dancing spectacular went on to become one of the greatest musicals ever to grace the Great White Way and the world over.

Called a 'sneaker ballet' thanks to the original sneaker-and-jeans-clad cast, a creative decision used to illicit the gritty realism of New York, West Side Story chronicles the warfare between two rival gangs - the Sharks (white Americans) and the Jets (Puerto Rican Americans). When two young associates of each gang meet and fall in love, they inflame the tensions to boiling point. Battling bloodshed and condemnation, the young lovers are determined to be together, although tragedy waits around every street corner. 

Key Information

Dates

Finished Jun 16

Cast

Christian Douglas as Tony
Kanisha Feliciano as Maria
Jerusha Cavazos as Anita
Yurel Echezarreta as Bernardo
Ken Page as Doc
Kyle Coffman as Riff
Drew Battles as Gladhand
James A. Butz as Officer Krupke 
Cedric Leiba, Jr. as Chino
Michael James Reed as Lt. Schrank 
Ethan David Zeph as Action
Caylie Newcom as Anybodys
Ethan Van Slyke as Baby John
Daiel Assetta as A-Rab
Tanner Ray Wilson as Big Deal
RJ Higton as Snowboy

Creative

Directed by Rob Ruggiero 
Jerome Robbin's choreography reproduced by Parker Esse
Associate choreographer Erin N. Moore
Music directed by James Moore
Fights coordinated by Bart Williams
Scenic design by Ann Beyersdorfer
Costume design by Gail Baldoni 
Lighting design by John Lasiter
Sound design by John Shivers and David Patridge
Video design by Shawn Duan 
Wig design by Ashley Rae Callahan
Production stage management by Larry Smiglewski

Reviews

Customer reviews

2 reviews, average rating: (5.0 Stars)

Todd

West side story

Fantastic dancing, sets, singing. ... Read more

Fred and Brenda Turner

One of the Best

We have been going to the Mariott theater for over ten years and we considered this production of West Side Story one of the best. The dancing and singing were outstanding! ... Read more

TheatreManiaMan

OUTSTANDING and true to the Original

I am confused by all of these uneducated opinions I am reading on this site from others who saw the show. The show is VERY true to the original in so many aspects. The choreography is practically the exact same as it was when the show opened at the Winter Garden theatre in NYC in the 50's. The outstanding performers kept the amazingly difficult show going with fantastic pace and precision of choreography and vocals alike. The crudeness was not added. Originally, Anita was beginning to be raped when Doc enters the room. Most people have seen the film and that is what they remember. The film is different and songs are in different places and sung by other characters. The ONLY changes in this production are the addition of Spanish in less than 5% of the show, which adds to the racial tension of the piece, and that Anybodys sings Somewhere, which results in a heart-breaking new moment in the show. The show is OUTSTANDING and please don't miss it! Thrilled this amazing show is here! ... Read more

NEWS, TICKETS, THEATRE & MORE

"Broadway and show news straight to your inbox!"

SHARE THE LOVE