Harbor Lights Theater Company to Present WEST SIDE STORY, 11/7-23

The Harbor Lights Theater Company, Staten Island's only professional Equity Theater Company lead by Founders and Artistic Directors Tamara Jenkins and Jay Montgomery and Associate Producer Beth Gittleman, announces the last show of their fifth season. The beloved classic West Side Story, which transports Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to the streets of the Upper West Side in 1950's NYC, is set to open November 7 and run through November 23, 2014 at the Music Hall at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens.

The story of lovers Tony and Maria who find themselves caught between rival street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds is back on stage and on Staten Island. The new production, based on Arthur Laurent's original book, is under the direction of Helen Hayes and Triangle Award winner Stephen Nachamie and is to include the original Jerome Robbins choreography set by Felicity Stiverson and Mr. Nachmanie.

"We saw nearly 400 talented hopefuls for this production of West Side Story and have assembled a stunningly talented cast. We have never been more excited about a production," said Executive Artistic Director, Tamara Jenkins.

The show will feature Evy Ortiz as 'Maria' who also played the role in the recent Broadway 1st National Tour. Ortiz other credits include 'Luisa' in The Fantasticks off- Broadway. John Grieco will play 'Tony,' her star crossed lover. Alena Watters (Sister Act, Addams Family, The Stand-Bys), who covered the role in the recent Broadway revival takes the role of 'Anita.' Harbor Lights' 'Bernardo is Michael Graceffa (Catch Me if You Can Tour) and 'Chino' will be played by Dean Deluna who also did the recent Broadway Revival of West Side Story.

Local actors Mickey Tennenbaum, a Wagner College adjunct professor, will portray 'Doc' while local playwright and director Joe Simonelli portrays 'Shrank,' and local musician and actor Gary Moore takes the roles of 'Glad Hand' and 'Officer Krupke.'

Harbor Lights' West Side Story design team is Tabitha Pease (Set Design), Jake Fine (Lighting Design), and Kurt Alger (Costume Design). Michael Mastromarino is resident Technical Director and Duane McKee is Sound Designer.

The show opens Friday, November 7th at 8 M. Additional show dates are: November 8 , 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Nov. 9 at 2 p.m.; Nov. 13,14,15 at 8 p.m.; Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.; Nov. 20,21,22 at 8 p.m; and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $35 - $45 with $5 off for seniors 65 and up and students 16 and under. They are available at www.hltc.org and by calling Ovationtix at 866-811-4111.

As a special offering "Dinner and a Show" packages are available for the first time. For $99.00, which includes Premier Show seating, 4 course gourmet meal from Celebrate at Snug Harbor, glass of wine, reserved parking, all taxes, fees, tips and VIP service, theater-goers have a complete evening of entertainment.

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