Original Broadway Musical Version of WEST SIDE STORY Opens August 8 at the Herberger Theater Center
Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) opens its 26th Anniversary Season with the original Broadway musical version of West Side Story at the Herberger Theatre Center from August 8 through 24. The current cast of 40 features 14 actors who have never performed with VYT before, including three adults in the roles of Officer Krupke (Kevin Ohlfest), Lieutenant Schrank (Peter Hart) and Doc (Mitch Etter). “These talented performers come from New River, Surprise, Chandler and all points in between,” states Bobb Cooper, Producing Artistic Director. “Most have rehearsed five days a week for seven weeks and the results will absolutely astound you.” Two “members of the Jets gang” are from the Jewish community. ELYSSA BLONDER is Velma and the Dance Co-Captain. She is a freshman at Chandler Gilbert Community College. STEPHEN GLASS plays Diesel. He is a senior at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix.
Based on a concept by Jerome Robbins, West Side Story features a libretto by Arthur Laurents, music from Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The original 1957 Broadway production was also directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. All four of this original creative team were Jewish. In fact, the first idea was to have the starring couple be Jewish and Catholic and be entitled East Side Story.
Tickets to West Side Story start at $20 and are available online now at HerbergerTheater.org or by calling the Herberger box office at 602-252-8497. The Herberger is located at 222 E Monroe St. in downtown Phoenix.
