The classic "Romeo and Juliet" tragic romance is updated to the tenements of New York City in this Oscar-winning musical landmark. American Tony and Puerto Rican Maria find love despite the explosive racial tensions between their families and friends. Their love grows while the hostility mounts between rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Tony's best friend Riff of the Jets and Maria's brother Bernardo of the Sharks lead their respective gangs into a battle that ends in tragedy. The young lovers struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice in one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of the 20th Century.

Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Music: Leonard Bernstein
Book: Arthur Laurents
Based on the conception of Jerome Robbins
Based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
Director: Robert J. Sorbera
Music Director: Brent E. Marty
Choreographer: Michael Worcel

Rehearsals: Starting Jan. 5 at 7pm
Performance Dates: Mar. 13 - Mar. 29 (Thu. - Sun.)

PRINCIPAL ROLES (vocal range)

Tony
- former Jet leader gone straight (tenor or high baritone)

Maria
- Puerto Rican ingénue, Bernardo's sister (soprano)

Riff
- quick-tempered leader of the Jets (baritone)

Bernardo
- Maria's brother, leader of the Sharks

Anita
- Maria's saucy older friend, Bernardo's girl (mezzo-soprano)

Chino
- Maria's angry young suitor, Bernardo's friend

Anybodys
- a tagalong tomboy

Singing/Dancing Ensemble
- The Jets, The Jets' Girls, The Sharks, The Sharks' Girls

Additional roles
- Doc, Detective Schrank, Officer Krupke, Glad Hand