‘West Side Story’ Presented at Franklin High School

Franklin High School presents the musical “West Side Story” at 7:30 p.m. April 5, 6, 12 and 13, and 2:30 p.m. April 14.

West Side Story is a musical inspired by William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. The story is set in an Upper West Side neighborhood in New York City in the mid 1950s, an ethnic, blue-collar neighborhood. The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.

The members of the Sharks, from Puerto Rico, are taunted by the Jets, a white gang. The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang’s leader, Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theatre.

Bernstein’s score for the musical includes “Something’s Coming”, “Maria”, “America”, “Somewhere”, “Tonight”, “Jet Song”, “I Feel Pretty”, “A Boy Like That”, “One Hand, One Heart”, “Gee, Officer Krupke”, and “Cool”.

With book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the FHS production is directed by Timothy Walton and musically directed by Joe Lesky. Choreography is by Irazema Rivera and set design is by Anthony Francese.

Visit fhsvocalmusic.com for more information.

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