Photo Flash: Manila-Bound WEST SIDE STORY; Show Runs 8/10-27

Manila, Philippines--The international touring company of the beloved classic musical "West Side Story," which features music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents, will come to The Theatre at Solaire (Aseana Avenue, Solaire Resort and Casino) next month, August 10-27.

In "West Side Story," which is packed with countless memorable musical numbers such as "America," "Maria," "One Hand, One Heart," "I Feel Pretty," and "Somewhere," William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between two warring street gangs of different ethnic groups, the Jets and the Sharks.

Since its original Broadway production (1957), which was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins and produced by Robert Griffith and Harold Prince, "West Side Story" has been revived twice on Broadway (1980, 2009), shown twice in London's West End (1958, 1998), and has had national tours in the U.S. (1959, 1987, 2010) and numerous international tours (1961, 1962, 1982-1984...)

In 1961, the stage-to-film adaptation of "West Side Story," which starred Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, and Rita Moreno, was made, which was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won 10, including Best Picture, Best Director for Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, and Best Supporting Actress for Rita Moreno.

For the Manila run of "West Side Story," choreographer Joey McKneely, a former student of Jerome Robbins, will recreate the original choreography of the Broadway production. Renowned conductor Donald Chan, who was a former student of Leonard Bernstein, will lead a 20-piece orchestra.

The show stars Kevin Hack (Tony) and Jenna Burns (Maria).

Presented by Globe Live, the international touring company of "West Side Story" is a Michael Brenner production, produced by BB Promotion GmbH in association with Sundance Productions, Inc. NY, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, and David Atkins Enterprises. The show's promoter is Concertus Manila.

To buy tickets (P1,500-P7,000), visit TicketWorld.com.ph.

Photos: Johan Persson, Concertus Manila

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