Gang show classic is a musical first
Rehearsals are in full swing for next week’s opening of the classic West Side Story and a ground-breaking first for a local theatre company.
The production by the Next Stage and Next Stage Youth Theatre Company will see the cast staging its first full-length musical in its 30-year history.
The show is directed by Artistic Director Ann Ellison who is supported by Next Stage stalwarts - Musical Director Christine Anderson, fight choreographer Nicky Wilkins and dance choreographer and well-known Next Stage actor Hayley Fitton-cook.
The production, running from Tuesday, September 26 to Saturday, September 30 at The Mission theatre, will see members of Next Stage Youth (aged 11-18) play the Jets and the Sharks with adult supporting roles Officer Krupke, Lieutenant Schrank and Doc played by Alistair Davey, Adrian Jéan and David Holt, of the adult company.
For some of Next Stage Youth’s newest members, this is their first time performing in front of an audience, and all are very excited at being in this prestigious musical.
Next Stage regulars, Hayley Fitton
Cook and Nicky Wilkins have brought their undisputed skills to this production, with Nicky helping to stage the large fight sequences and Hayley bringing flair to the dance numbers.
This production of West Side
Story is staged with background projection – featuring 1950s New York – transporting the audience to Manhattan and the streets and alleyways in which the two teenage gangs fight for supremacy. Add to this colourful costumes and
atmospheric lighting and The Mission’s auditorium has been transformed into an arena in which audiences will be wooed and wowed by one of the best musicals of all time.
You can book tickets at: http://www. next-stage.co.uk/forthcoming/2023/ west-side-story