von Essen, Nixon, Etc. Set for TUTS' West Side Story

Max von Essen will headline the Theatre Under the Stars production of West Side Story, which will kick off the theatre's "Really Big" season.  The production will be performed from October 24-November 5 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (800 Bagby at Walker) in Houston, TX.

The production will star Broadway's von Essen (Kennedy Center Mame, Dance of the Vampires, Finian's Rainbow, Les Miserables in New York) as Tony, as well as Stephanie Iannarino (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat tour) as Maria, Vivian Nixon (Broadway's Hot Feet) as Anita, Leo Ash Evens (On the Record tour) as Riff, Wilson Mendieta (Bombay Dreams) as Bernardo, Christpher Sergeeff (Joseph... tour) as Chino.

The show will also feature Kurt Domoney as Action, DJ Chase as A-Rab, Josh Montgomery as Baby John, Logan Keslar as Big Deal, Clark Johnsen as Snowboy, Stephanie Fritto as Anybodys, Steve Luker as Lt. Schrank, Bob Bouchard as Officer Krupke, Rutherfiord Cravens as Doc; and David R. Wald as Gladhand.

Joining the ensemble cast are Jay Be, Shane Braddock, Shelby Braxton-Brooks, Amy Brewer, Joseph Corella, Carolyn Doherty, Billy Fagen, David Guggino, Leon Le, Kat Nejat, Tom Pacio, Jose-Manuel Santos, Felicity Stiverson, Kristopher Thompson-Bolden, Becca Tobin, Vanessa Van Vrancken and Shontè Walker.

"With music by the legendary creative team of Arthur Laurents (librettist), Leonard Bernstein (composer) and Stephen Sondheim (lyricist), West Side Story features some of Broadway's most beloved music including, 'Somewhere,' 'One Hand, One Heart,' 'Tonight,' 'America' and 'Maria.' In addition to winning two Tony Awards and the Academy Award for Best Picture, West Side Story became one of the most successful shows ever produced on Broadway," state TUTS notes.

Alan Johnson returns to TUTS to direct and choreograph the West Side Story. Johnson, who appeared in West Side Story on Broadway, was chosen by the estate of original choreographer Jerome Robbins to re-create Robbins' original direction and choreography.

In addition to Johnson, the creative team will also include Janice Aubrey as music director and Joshua Bergasse as assistant. Richard Winkler will provide lighting design, while Christopher "Kit" Bond provides sound design. John Farrell will serve as scenic consultant.

Single tickets for TUTS' production of West Side Story ($27-$87) are available to the public by phone at (713) 558-8887 or outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882; or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office, (800 Bagby at Walker, Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm); or on-line at www.tuts.com. Audio described performances are available November 5 at 2 p.m.; open captioning November 5 at 7:30 p.m. Wheelchair accessible. Student and Senior (60+) discounted tickets available one hour before performance. Group discounts available for 15 or more and may be purchased by calling (713) 558-8888.

Visit www.tuts.com for more on Theatre Under the Stars.