Four Columbus Performing Arts Organizations Team Up To Present WEST SIDE STORY In February

The combined forces of four of Columbus’ leading arts organizations will bring a new production of WEST SIDE STORY to the Ohio Theatre Feb. 13-16, 2025. Initial casting and the creative team for the joint production with BalletMet, CAPA, Columbus Symphony, and Opera Columbus have been released. BalletMet’s dancer casting will be released two weeks prior to opening. 

Jadon Webster will lead the production as Tony, with Cecilia Violetta López as Maria, Taylor Harley as Riff, Jerusha Cavazos as Anita, and Isaac Tobler as Bernardo. Allegra Libonati and Rossen Milanov will lead the charge as stage director and music director, respectively. Remi Wörtmeyer, BalletMet’s new artistic director, will choreograph the production with Elias Miller as the assistant conductor, Brandon McKnight as Opera Columbus’ CRANE Directing Fellow, Lisa Pedraza as the wig, hair, and make-up designer, and Lonelle Yoder as props designer. The Opera Columbus full cast and creative list can be found here.

Tickets, which start at $31.25, are on sale now and may be purchased at the CBUSArts Ticket Center at the Ohio Theatre (39 E. State St.), online at www.CBUSArts.com, and by phone at (614) 469-0939.

WEST SIDE STORY exploded onto Broadway in 1957 in a sensational storm of exuberant dance and wistful romance. It was a phenomenon that never faded, “an incandescent piece of work” (The New York Times). Embark on a journey through the gritty streets of 1950s New York City, where rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, clash in a fierce battle for dominance and survival. The score is punctuated with hits: “America,” “Tonight,” “Maria,” “I Feel Pretty,” and theenduring “Somewhere.” The production will be performed with Spanish and English captions.

“Combining the creative talents of some of the city’s leading performing arts organizations to offer this quintessentialpiece of American art is something we’re all highly anticipating,” CAPA President & CEO Chad Whittington said. “CAPAis proud to be a partner in providing this unique opportunity for our audiences.”

"We are absolutely thrilled to bring WEST SIDE STORY to life. This timeless masterpiece not only showcases theincredible talent of our artists and technicians but also allows us to engage deeply with our vibrant community. We can't wait to share this iconic story with our audience,” Julia Noulin-Mérat, General Director + CEO, Opera Columbus, said.

“BalletMet is excited to be a part of this project with some of our favorite collaborators. We can’t wait to welcomeour community to such an incredible experience,” said Sue Porter, Executive Director, BalletMet.

“WEST SIDE STORY is a classic! I am very much looking forward to collaborating with our partners BalletMet, CAPA, and Opera Columbus. These types of projects make Columbus unique and exciting,” Columbus Symphony Music DirectorRossen Milanov, who will conduct the performances, said.

This production of WEST SIDE STORY was Licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI).

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