Pupils bring West Side Story to Macrobert stage
Talented youngsters from a Stirling area school are set to perform their summer musical spectacular to a packed audience at the Macrobert.
Beaconhurst School in Bridge of Allan will bring their own rendition of West Side Story to the venue on Tuesday and Wednesday (June 26 and 27). Pupils from S4 to S6 will star in the show which is thought of by many as a modern-day love story inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It is set in the Upper West Side streets of New York during the 1950s as two gangs – the Jets and the Sharks – battle for control.
However things get complicated when Tony, co-founder of the Jets, falls for Maria – the sister of the rival gang’s leader Bernardo.
Rachel Hoskins (18) from Causewayhead while take on the role of Maria while Jamie Blackhurst will star as Tony.
Rachel said: “Playing Maria is the most challenging role I’ve had so far as she’s quite different in character to me.
“She’s very fun and laid back and it’s a good singing role. I’m delighted to be cast as Maria and enjoying the rehearsals.”
Jack McLay (16) will perform the role of Bernardo and he says he has been busy trying to perfect his Spanish accent.
He added: “I thought I should step up to a main role this year after being in the chorus last year. I auditioned for Bernardo, so I was really pleased to win that role although I’m quite nervous about the singing.
“Bernardo’s character is the total opposite of me – he’s an alpha male and very tough, which I’m not so I’ve been trying to think about his motivation, which is really to survive, to get into character.”
Katie Laird (17) will play Bernardo’s girlfriend Anita, Maria’s best friend, in the show and she says the energy and atmosphere during rehearsals has been positive.
Other lead roles will be played by Gregor Rodger, Robert Johnston and Jonathan Ackroyd while maths teacher Amanda Tranmer even has a cameo role featuring a dance sequence.
All pupils from S4 to S6 will take part in the production with those not featuring in the main cast or chorus taking on backstage, media, promotion or costume-making roles.
Tickets are £12.50 for adults and £6 for children, students and senior citizens.