This adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is transported to modern-day New York City with two rival gangs; the American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Maria, the leader of the Sharks’ younger sister and Tony, a former Jet are from opposite sides of town and opposite walks of life but they encounter each other at a dance and instantly fall in love. While the gangs struggle to live in the same city and inevitably decide to battle for ownership of the streets, Maria and Tony vie to stay together. Will Maria’s Shark roots and Tony’s Jet roots grow a beautiful tree? Or be forced to split and grow apart? Does love conquer all? This story is told through intense choreography and riveting live music which create musical and instrumental scenes among themselves.
West Side Story will be at the Courthouse Center for the Arts; 3481 Kingstown Rd, West Kingston RI. The show will run from July 9-26, 2009 and tickets are $27.00 for adults, $24.00 for seniors and CCA members and $20.00 for students. For more information or to purchase tickets please call 401-782-1018 or visit www.courthousearts.org.