'West Side Story' to Premiere at Calabasas Performing Arts Education Center

The Leonard Bernstein/Stephen Sondheim classic musical West Side Story will debut at the Calabasas Performing Arts Education Center on April 16.

Starring Mack Keane as Tony with dual performances by Brooke Wetterhahn and Georgia Greene as Maria, the production is led by Bill Garrett, Calabasas High School’s theater arts director; Josh Barroll, vocal director; Aaron Kohen, music director and choreographers Kristen Furino and Jennifer Sanett.

"This will be our premiere performance in our Performing Arts Center," said Garrett. "And I think audiences will be blown away by what the students have done."

According to the production press release:

Based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks, in 1950’s New York. The story of their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.

The production features 46 actors, 31 orchestra members and 35 crew members.

Garrett says the show takes full advantage of the venue's state-of-the-art capabilities, including the use of rear projection media, rolling metal sets and a full pit band.

"We have an extremely talented cast, and this is not a typical high school performance," said Garrett.

Tickets are available for advance purchase on the Calabasas High Theater website (www.CHSTheater.com) or at the PAEC box office. Prices range from $12 to $22 each.