Pull-Tight Players, Inc. kick off their 41st season with the timeless and thought-provoking show West Side Story. The dream team of the 1950s that produced the then-revolutionary musical included Arthur Laurents who wrote the script, Steven Sondheim who wrote the lyrics, Leonard Bernstein who wrote the phenomenal music, and legendary Jerome Robbins who created the choreography. The story of Romeo and Juliet is transported to the turbulent streets of New York City in the 1950s where star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria are caught between rival street gangs where their dreams for a perfect life are shattered.
Director Cathie Correia Stamps remarks, "West Side Story is perhaps my favorite musical. Directing my dynamic and talented ensemble has been a pleasure. And my production staff are my dream team." Cary Smith who plays Tony states, "Tony is my dream role." Clearly, the cast and crew are pumped up and ready to perform for the Pull-Tight audiences.
Playing the lead roles in this wonderful musical for the ages are: Cary Smith as Tony; Logan Huber as Riff, the leader of the Jets; and Art Peach as Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. Tony's love interest, Maria, is played by Rachel Melius, and Bernardo's love interest, Anita, is played by Rachel Rogers. Others playing key roles include newcomer Alex Hall as Action, Riff's tightly-wound lieutenant; Hannah Smith as Anybodys, the gang "wanna be"; Jon Castro as Chino, Bernardo's 2nd in command; Tom Trabucco as Lt. Schrank; Josh Hollandsworth as Officer Krupke; Kathy Crisp as the social worker Glad Hand; and Howard Snyder as Doc, the owner of the local hangout.
Other key roles are played by Jennifer Breland (Francisca), Erin Laming (Teresita), Gina D'Arco (Estella), Blandina Vergara-Cruz (Rosalia), Jennifer Lowry (Consuela), Steven Fiske (A-Rab), and Zach Bryan (Big Deal). Jet gang members include Jordan Twaddle (Baby John), Austin Lynch (Snow Boy), and Caleb Pless (Diesel). Shark gang members are Gabriel Pless (Pepe), Parker Hazard (Indio), Ryan Garrett (Luis), Jonathan Vander Molen (Anxious), and Nathan Stone (Nibbles). Jet and Shark girlfriends are played by Elise Horecka (Graziella), Aja Baldwin (Velma), Lindsey White (Minnie), Kadi Halfacre (Clarice), Catherine Glidwell (Pauline), Maggie Trabucco (Kathy), Abby Newman (Delores), and Emily Redmond (Margarita).
Assisting Cathie Stamps in the production are Steve Stamps and Iain Macpherson, Co-Producers; Kyle Hankins, Musical Director and Accompanist; Jeanne Drone, Stage Manager; Erin Laming and Logan Huber, Choreography; Walt Misksch, Technical Director / Set Designer; Robby Coles and Jennifer Lowry, Costume Masters; Pat Warr, Props Mistress; Carol Brown and Nathan Gibbs, Light and Sound; Taylor Sokoll and Sarah Holmes, Running Crew; and Jill Smith, Artistic Design and Props Execution.Performance dates are August 28-29, September 3-6, 11-13, 18-19. There will be an interpreted performance on Thursday, September 3. All performances are at 7:30 pm, except for Sunday matinee performances, which are at 2:30 pm. Doors open 30 minutes prior to curtain time. Tickets may be purchased beginning August 17. Ticket prices are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors (60 and up), and $12 for students through high school and may be purchased online through our web site. Tickets may also be purchased by phoning (615) 791-5007 Tuesday through Friday between 10 am and 4 pm and charging to Visa or MasterCard.
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