One of the greatest musicals ever written is to grace the stage of the Manoel Theatre this month. West Side Story is a glorious tale of hope in the face of adversity, and combines excellent story-telling with sumptuous music to tell the story of two groups of adolescents in the slums of New York.

Amid daily struggle for survival, two groups of adolescents seek their American dream. Despite their tale being set against a backdrop of ugliness and agony, the young people find that beauty and tenderness can prevail. An idealistic love that knows no bounds grows from a clash of cultures, but can it emerge from the savage shadows into reality?

Originally conceived by Jerome Robbins as an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and set in the contemporary slums of urban America, West Side Story was first performed in 1957. With familiar songs such as Maria, I Feel Pretty, Somewhere and America, Bernstein and Sondheim created an unforgettable mix of poignancy, tenderness, hilarity and hope. The sharp, snappy dialogue of the streets, combined with breathtaking choreography, meant that dance could enter new and exciting realms for this production. West Side Story became a timeless show that redefined the musical genre of its time.

Following productions such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Old Befana, The Young People’s Messiah in Song and Dance, The Little Sweep, The little Mermaid and Into the Woods, Drama Troupe has chosen this musical this year as part of Chiswick House School’s 100th year celebrations.

Directed by Lorraine Aquilina and Kurt Cini is a strong team of 40 up-and-coming talented musical theatre performers including Nicky Agius Darmanin, Francesca Aquilina, Emily Jones, Cliff Zammit, Francis Ghersci, Karl Stivala and Krista Paris, together with established actors Collin Willis and John Marninelli. All the leading roles have been training vocally with musical director Gillian Zammit for a couple of years. They are joined by a strong team of both male and female dancers and singers, who were carefully chosen from all who auditioned in February. All the dancers have been training since July, with Claire Cassola to perform numbers like The Prologue, The Dance at the Gym and Cool. An item to look out for, not included in the film version of the musical, is the Dream and Nightmare dance sequence.

Songs in five voices, frenetic dancing, romantic pas de deux, fights, comedy, romance – these are all the ingredients that, together with a

talented and energetic cast, are sure to make this production one of the highlights of this

theatrical season.

Bookings for the performances, which start on Thursday, 23rd November at the Manoel Theatre, are available from the Manoel Theatre booking office by emailing [email protected] or online from the theatre website at www.teatrumanoel.com.mt A special adapted performance for children under 12 will be held on Saturday, 25 November at 3pm. Tickets prices range between Lm3 and Lm7.50 and special discounts for 6th form students are available by emailing [email protected] or contacting Lorraine Aquilina on 7940-2179.