West Side Story

West Side Story transports audiences to New York’s West Side in the mid-1950s amidst widespread racial and social tension, especially between two rival gangs: The Jets and The Sharks. In the midst of the battlefield are two young romantics, Tony, a Jet ready to leave the gang life behind, and Maria, the sister of Sharks leader, Bernardo. With opposition from both sides, they meet secretly and their love grows deeper. However, the gangs are plotting one last rumble, a fight that will finally end the battle for control of the streets. Will Tony and Maria’s love carry through a battle that threatens to destroy the people they love around them?

Summer Stock Stage will present West Side Story at the Ayres Auditorium at Park Tudor School from July 25 to 28.  Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.  More than forty of the most talented students from Central Indiana have been working with artistic director Emily Ristine Holloway, musical director Jeanne Devos Bowling, and choreographer Cherri Jaffee. Kyle Ragsdale, art designer, and Michael Moffat, lighting designer, are also joining the 2013 season.