Asolo Rep to Present WEST SIDE STORY

Asolo Repertory Theatre kicks off its highly anticipated 2015-16 season with the electrifying Tony Award-winning musical WEST SIDE STORY. One of the greatest musicals ever written, Asolo Rep's production will open Friday, November 13 at 8pm and run through Sunday, December 27, with previews November 10 - 12 at 8pm in the Mertz Theatre located in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. This American masterpiece was crafted by some of the most legendary artists of all time, with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and choreography by Jerome Robbins. Two-time Tony Award nominee Joey McKneely, who reproduced the choreography for the celebrated 2009 Broadway revival, will direct and reproduce Robbins' timeless choreography for Asolo Rep's production.

The gritty streets of mid-1950s Upper West Side Manhattan come to life in this unforgettable story of star-crossed lovers entangled in the rivalry of culturally divided street gangs. As the Jets and the Sharks rumble for their turf, Tony and Maria long for their very own place far from the intolerance that surrounds them. The original Broadway production premiered in 1957 and was nominated for six Tony Awards, winning two. The 1961 film adaptation starring Natalie Wood was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning 10. Featuring such unforgettable classics as "Maria," "America," "I Feel Pretty" and "Tonight," Asolo Rep's freshly interpreted production is packed with the breathtaking choreography, thrilling songs, and unforgettable characters that have made WEST SIDE STORY a worldwide phenomenon for more than 50 years.

Director Joey McKneely has directed and reproduced the choreography for WEST SIDE STORY all over the world, including productions at London's Sadler's Wells Theatre, which received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Musical Revival, Paris's Théâtre du Châtelet and Milan's La Scala Opera. His relationship with Jerome Robbins began in 1988 when he was cast as a Jet in the Broadway production of Jerome Robbins' Broadway. During rehearsals, he worked intimately with the eminent choreographer for six months, having the opportunity to immerse himself in Robbins' groundbreaking style of choreography. McKneely will direct WEST SIDE STORY for the first time in the U.S. for Asolo Rep's production.

"Having given international audiences from around the world a new, exciting production of WEST SIDE STORY for years, this production of WEST SIDE STORY at Asolo Repertory Theatre will mark the first time my version will be seen in the United States," said director/choreographer Joey McKneely. "My mission has always been to bring a youthful, emotional, contemporary feel to WEST SIDE STORY so it makes a new generation of fans just as the 1957 production did. It has changed my life in so many ways, but most of all, it made me believe in the power of love."

WEST SIDE STORY kicks off the fourth season of Asolo Rep's American Character Project, an ambitious five-year examination and celebration of the extraordinary people, culture, history and experiences that make our country unique. Throughout the American Character Project, Asolo Rep's seasons have continued to feature productions that explore, embody, and attempt to spotlight what it truly means to be an American. WEST SIDE STORY's themes of racial conflict, true love conquering all, and the pursuit of the American Dream remain just as poignant today as they did when WEST SIDE STORY first premiered in 1957.

"WEST SIDE STORY is one of the greatest works in the history of American musical theatre," said Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards. "Asolo Rep's production will be freshly reinterpreted, redesigned, and reconceived by a brilliant young creative team, helmed by director Joey McKneely, who is recognized around the world as a Jerome Robbins expert. Through its compelling songs and choreography, this musical magnifies the story of a simple turf war between two reckless groups of impulsive young people - those who see themselves as 'true' Americans and those who have just adopted this country as their new home. It is thrilling to kick off the fourth season of our American Character Project with this iconic production that artfully depicts issues that are still incredibly relevant while telling one of the greatest love stories of all time."

Each performance of WEST SIDE STORY will be preceded by "The Scoop," Asolo Rep's insightful pre-performance discussion series led by cast members from the production. Following each Tuesday performance, the theatre will host "Tuesday Talkbacks," intimate post-show discussions with featured actors or guests. Asolo Rep will also host a special Family Day at WEST SIDE STORY on Saturday December 5, where families can dance in Asolo Rep's WEST SIDE STORY Music Video, enjoy family-friendly activities that explore the world of the musical prior to the performance, experience the performance with tickets discounted for families, and join a post-performance discussion with the cast. Throughout Asolo Rep's run of WEST SIDE STORY, the theatre will also provide nearly 1,000 students access to the world-class production through student matinee performances and public performances.

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