WEST SIDE STORY Set for Summer at New London Barn Playhouse

New London Barn Playhouse presents West Side Story, running July 19 - August 6. It will be directed by Keith Coughlin and choreographed by Michael Jablonski, with music direction by Jonathan Parks.

Based on a conception of Jerome Robbins, West Side Story features book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

The timeless story of star-crossed lovers in a violence-riddled New York City, West Side Story has been hailed as one of the greatest musicals of all time. Winner of numerous awards both on stage and film, Jerome Robbins' heartbreaking adaptation of Romeo and Juliet has been electrifying audiences since it's Broadway premier in 1957. After 50 years and four award winning Broadway revivals, most recently in 2009, West Side Story remains as beloved and important as ever.

Helming the Barn's production is Artistic Director Keith Coughlin. He is joined by Choreographer Michael Jablonski (Acting: Broadway's West Side Story, and The Book of Mormon), who will be recreating Jerome Robbins' iconic choreography for the Barn stage. Music Director Jonathan Parks was last seen at the Barn in 2016, Music Directing both the Straw Hat Revue and How to Succeed....

The cast, featuring both new faces and returning Barn alumni, is led by 2017 Acting Intern Company member Nadina Hassan and newcomer Addie Morales (Baldwin Wallace University, 2020), who will be sharing the role of Maria. Making their Barn debuts are Jake Smith (Elon University, 2019) as Tony, Kim Sava* (Matilda Nat'l Tour) as Anita, and Danny Bevins* (West Side Story at Paper Mill Playhouse) as Bernardo. Returning Acting Intern alums joining the production are Veronica Sofia Burt as Conseula, Mackenzie Dade as Anybodys, Kevin Dort as Big Deal, Jason Goldston* as Riff, and Adam Zeph as Lt. Shrank and Gladhand.

Additional casting includes Joseph Allen as Baby John, Julia Bain as Velma, Dalton Bertolone as Action, Kailey Boyle as Pauline and Rosalia, Nick Case as A-Rab, Zachary Collins as Pepe, Liza Couser as Minnie, Robert Cueva as Luis, Elijah Dawson as Indio, Peter Garza as Chino, Julia Hemp as Graciella, Jacob Roberts-Miller as Diesel, Ben Salus as Officer Krupke, Elana Valastro as Teresita, Dori Waymer as Francisca, and Marc Willis as Doc.

The design team includes Jordan Janota (Crazy for You, Kiss me Kate, and Ragtime at the Barn) as scenic designer, Jeremey Bernardoni (Visiting Assistant Professor of Costume Design, Louisiana State University) designing costumes, and lighting designer Jennifer Reiser (39 Steps, Oklahoma at the Barn; Assistant Lighting Designer for Waitress and Side Show on Broadway).

West Side Story runs for three weeks, Tuesday through Sunday (July 19 - August 6). Evening performances are at 7:30 Tuesday through Saturday and 5:00 pm on Sunday. Wednesday matinees are at 2:00 pm. Tickets range from $19.50-$40.00, with Student Rush tickets available for $18.00. Please call 603-526-6710 or visit us at www.nlbarn.org to purchase seats.

The New London Barn Playhouse is one of the oldest continuously operating summer theaters in the country. Housed in an historic converted barn, the Barn has received countless accolades.

++Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society *Member of Actors' Equity Association

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