Diaz, Evans, Etc. Set for 50th Anniversary West Side Story

Atlanta's Theater of the Stars will present a special 50th Anniversary production of West Side Story at the Fox Theatre from August 21-26, 2007.

"Produced by Atlanta's Theater of the Stars the timeless tragedy is as relevant in today's society as it was when it was written.  In 1949 director-choreographer Jerome Robbins started working on the idea for West Side Story.  Originally he thought maybe Juliet would be Jewish and Romeo would be Catholic, and the feud of the Shakespeare-inspired tale would center on Easter vs. Passover. He discussed the idea with Leonard Bernstein, but due to extremely busy schedules, they did not get started on the project until 1955.  By that time, they changed the conflict to take place between rival gangs.  One gang would be native New Yorkers (The Jets), and the other gang would be Puerto Rican (The Sharks), and the backdrop would be the slums of New York City's West Side.  The original production opened on Broadway in the fall of 1957," state press notes.

"The poignant tale recounts the courtship and doomed love story between Tony (one of The Jets) and Maria (the sister of one of The Sharks).  The musical is filled with electrifying dance numbers based on Jerome Robbins' original ground-breaking choreography.  The incredible score written by Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents features some of the most exuberant and romantic songs ever written, including 'Somewhere (There's A Place For Us),' 'Maria,' 'Tonight,' 'I Feel Pretty,' and 'America.'"

Starring in this 50th Anniversary production of West Side Story as Maria is Sarah Darling. She portrayed Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast in Montreal, Las Vegas and Baltimore and played Mary Jane in the National Tour of Deaf West's Big River.  Nathan Scherich is performing in the role of Tony.  His credits include starring roles in Cinderella, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Singin' in The Rain at North Shore Music Theatre in Boston and Mack and Mabel at the historic Goodspeed Opera House.  Michael Balderrama, who portrays Bernardo, recently performed in the new off-Broadway hit In The Heights, which is set to move to Broadway in the fall.  On Broadway, he's been featured in Hot Feet, Movin' Out, Urban Cowboy and Saturday Night Fever.  He is a principal with Ballet Hispanico NY. 

Starring as Anita is Natascia Diaz.  On Broadway, she has performed in Man of La Mancha, The Capeman and Seussical.  She was in Jacques Brel... Off-Broadway and is featured on the cast album.  Leo Ash Evens portrays Riff, which is his favorite role.  Previously he played Riff at Barrington Stage and at Houston's Theatre Under The Stars.  Nationally he has toured in Disney's On The Record, 42nd Street and Casper The Musical with Chita Rivera.  Starring as Chino is Christopher Sergeeff who was last seen at the Kennedy Center in Carnival!  Regionally he's performed in Hello, Dolly! starring Sally Struthers, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Footloose, Forever Plaid and West Side Story.

The cast also includes: Jack Aaron as Doc, Joey Calveri as Action, Stephanie Fittro as Anybodys, Dale Radunz as Lt. Schrank, DJ Chase as A-Rab, Kurt Kelly as Snow Boy, Logan Keslar as Big Deal, Josh Montgomery as Baby John, Jay Scovill as Officer Krupke, Vanessa Van Vrancken as Rosalia and Donald Warfield as Gladhand.

Tony Award-nominee Alan Johnson serves as both Director and Choreographer for this production.  During the past thirty years, Mr. Johnson has recreated numerous acclaimed productions of Jerome Robbins' original West Side Story all over the world.  

The creative team for this special production of West Side Story includes: Joshua Bergasse as Associate Director, Janice Aubrey as Music Director, Ken Billington as Lighting Designer and Peter Fitzgerald and Erich Bechtel as Sound Designers.

This new production of West Side Story will play at these theaters: Kansas City's Starlight Theatre - Preview on August 6, August 7-12, Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre – August 21-26, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts – August 28-September 2.

Theater of the Stars will present West Side Story at theFox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street, from August 21-26, 2007.  Performances are scheduled for Tuesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale NOW through Ticketmaster.  Purchases through Ticketmaster can be made in three ways: at Ticketmaster ticket centers, by calling 404-817-8700, by ordering online at www.ticketmaster.com.  For group ticket sales, call the Fox Theatre Group Sales Office at 404-881-2000. Ticket prices range from $20- $64.

Visit www.theaterofthestars.com for more information.