West Side Story set to be next year’s festive show

LEICESTER’S Curve theatre has announced that the classic musical West Side Story will be its Made at Curve Christmas 2019 production.

The story follows New York City’s West Side in 1957 in the midst of gang rivalry and racial tensions, where love at first sight strikes between Tony - a founding member of the White-American Jets, and Maria - the sister of Bernardo, leader of the Puerto Rican Sharks.

In the face of danger the two young lovers continue to meet in secret but the Jets and the Sharks have one last rumble to fight out.

Speaking about the announcement, Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, said: “West Side Story blazed a new trail in world theatre and continues to hold its ground today, decades after the Sharks and Jets first exploded on Broadway.

“Curve has developed a reputation for producing revivals of the great musicals in innovative new productions; we couldn’t be more excited to tackle this masterpiece on our stage - a stage designed for emotionally charged, epic plays which explore the human condition.”

The production will run from November 23 2019 to January 11 2020 and will be directed by Nikolai, accompanied by Ellen Kane who will be creating new choreography for the production and Curve Associate Artist Sarah Travis who aims to bring the production’s iconic score to life.

“Bernstein’s score defies superlatives, matched by the contributions of book writer Arthur Laurents and Sondheim’s astonishing lyrics,” adds Chris and Nikolai.

“Curve is always developing great talent and we are thrilled Ellen Kane has chosen to work with us on this brand new production of West Side Story.

“Ellen is a choreographer of exceptional tal- ent and we are excited to work alongside her, rediscovering the show for a new generation.

“With the mighty Sarah Travis in charge of music, a terrific team is assembling to create this brand new production.”

Tickets are now on general sale and can be purchased online at www.curveonline.co.uk or over the phone on 0116 242 3595.