Spotlight

Royal City Musical Theatre's 2008 production of West Side Story will bring that creative excitement to the Massey stage this April.

West Side Story is set in urban New York, against a backdrop of childish, yet deadly "gang warfare." The Romeo of the story is Tony (played by Mat Baker), his Juliet is Maria (portrayed by Kazumi Evans). He's the former leader of the Jets, she's the sister of the big boss of the Sharks.

Before the final curtain, three boys are dead, victims of the foolish, wasteful games that continue to play out 50 years later as immigrant youth struggle to establish Canadian identities. The themes of love, hate, racism, mistrust, misunderstanding, and "at risk" youth are as vital today as when the show was first written.

Directed by Lloyd Nicholson, the cast of the talented singers, dancers and actors will be accompanied by the Royal City Musical Theatre Orchestra, under the baton of James Bryson. West Side Story is known as a tour de force for dancers, and choreographer Valerie Easton will see to it that the cast takes full advantage of the opportunity.

Audiences of all ages will want to join with us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of this powerful and challenging masterpiece of musical theatre.

The Royal City Musical Theatre production of West Side Story runs April 10 to 26, 2008 at the Massey Theatre. Tickets are $19 - $36 (plus service charges) and are available through Ticketmaster, online or by phone, 604-280-4444.

For further information call 604-522-4306 or visit www.royalcitymusicaltheatre.com