Sharks And Jets Set To Rumble
When West Side Story Comes To The Fabulous Fox Theatre

 Photos by Tanner Photography

Theater of the Stars will present a special 50th Anniversary production of WEST SIDE STORY, America’s Greatest Musical, at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from August 21-26, 2007.  “This brilliant adaptation of the ‘Romeo and Juliet’ love story is truly an American classic,” states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars.   “It showcases the talents of some of our greatest theatrical geniuses:  Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents.”

Produced by Atlanta’s Theater of the Stars the timeless tragedy is as relevant in today’s society as it was when it was written.  In 1949 director-choreographer Jerome Robbins started working on the idea for WEST SIDE STORY.   Originally he thought maybe Juliet would be Jewish and Romeo would be Catholic, and the feud of the Shakespeare-inspired tale would center on Easter vs.  Passover.  He discussed the idea with Leonard Bernstein, but due to extremely busy schedules, they did not get started on the project until 1955.  By that time, they changed the conflict to take place between rival gangs. One gang would be native New Yorkers (The Jets), and the other gang would be Puerto Rican (The Sharks), and the backdrop would be the slums of New York City’s West Side. The original production opened on Broadway in the fall of 1957.

The poignant tale recounts the courtship and doomed love story between Tony (one of The Jets) and Maria (the sister of one of The Sharks).  The musical is filled with electrifying dance numbers based on Jerome Robbins’ original ground-breaking choreography.  The incredible score written by Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents features some of the most exuberant and romantic songs ever written, including “Somewhere (There’s A Place For Us),” “Maria,’” “Tonight,” “I Feel Pretty,” and “America.”

Starring in this 50th Anniversary production of WEST SIDE STORY as Maria is Sarah Darling.  She portrayed Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Montreal, Las Vegas and Baltimore and played Mary Jane in the National Tour of Deaf West’s Big River.  Regionally she’s appeared in Footloose, Hot Mikado, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Wizard of Oz and WEST SIDE STORY.  On television she’s been seen in a recurring role in both “All My Children” and “One Life To Live.” Nathan Scherich is performing in the role of Tony.  His credits include starring roles in Cinderella, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Singin’ In The Rain at North Shore Music Theatre in Boston and Mack and Mabel at the historic Goodspeed Opera House.  Michael Balderrama who portrays Bernardo, recently performed in the new off-Broadway hit In The Heights which is set to move to Broadway in the fall.  On Broadway he’s been featured in Hot Feet, Movin’ Out, Urban Cowboy and Saturday Night Fever.  He is a principal with Ballet Hispanico NY.  Starring as Anita is Natascia Diaz.  On Broadway she’s performed in Man of La Mancha, The Capeman and Seussical.  She was in Jacques Brel off Broadway and is featured on the cast album.  Leo Ash Evens portrays Riff, which is his favorite role.  Previously he played Riff at Barrington Stage and at Houston’s Theatre Under The Stars.  Nationally he has toured in Disney’s On The Record, 42nd Street and Casper The Musical with Chita Rivera.  Starring as Chino is Christopher Sergeeff who was last seen at the Kennedy Center in Carnival! Regionally he’s performed in Hello Dolly starring Sally Struthers, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Footloose, Forever Plaid and WEST SIDE STORY.

The talented cast also includes: Jack Aaron as Doc, Joey Calveri as Action, Stephanie Fittro as Anybody’s, Dale Radunz as Lt. Schrank, DJ Chase as A-Rab, Kurt Kelly as Snow Boy, Logan Keslar as Big Deal, Josh Montgomery as Baby John, Jay Scovill as Officer Krupke, Vanessa Van Vrancken as Rosalia and Donald Warfield as Gladhand.

Alan Johnson serves as both Director and Choreographer for this production.  During the past thirty years, Mr. Johnson has recreated numerous acclaimed productions of Jerome Robbins’ original WEST SIDE STORY all over the world.    He received a Tony nomination for Legs Diamond on Broadway.  And he received the American Choreography Award for The Gap WEST SIDE STORY commercials.

Theater of the Stars will present WEST SIDE STORY at the fabulous Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street, from August 21-26, 2007.  Performances are scheduled for Tuesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale NOW through Ticketmaster.  Purchases through Ticketmaster can be made in three ways: at Ticketmaster ticket centers, by calling 404-817-8700, by ordering online at www.ticketmaster.com . For group ticket sales, call the Fox Theatre Group Sales Office at 404-881-2000.  Ticket prices range from $20- $64.

Theater of the Stars is celebrating its 55th Anniversary this year as one of the nation’s premier theater companies. A civic non-profit cultural organization, Theater of the Stars is dedicated to presenting and producing the best in musical theater. To learn more about their history of excellence, visit them at www.theaterofthestars.com