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Rehearsals in Progress for ‘West Side Story’
Arts Jun 27, 2016
The impact of Hispanic culture, especially the Mexican influence, cannot be overlooked in California. - Courtesy photo
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Part of the cast of “West Side Story” shown working out some of their moves for the upcoming production at the Taylor Performing Arts Center. – Courtesy photo
This summer, the Taylor Performing Arts Center in Monrovia, will present the Tony Award winning musical, “West Side Story” on July 14 and 15 at 8 p.m., July 16 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and July 17 at 5 p.m.
“This marks our seventh professional production for the community to be produced at the Taylor Performing Arts Center on the campus at Monrovia High School,” said Patrick Garcia, director of performing arts for Monrovia Unified School District.
“West Side Story,” with its romantic tale of young love, was inspired by Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” but given a 1950s New York setting with rival gangs replacing the feuding the families.
With music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Steven Sondheim, the musical marked a turning point in musical theater with its emphasis on social problems and extended dance sequences. And who can forget such memorable songs as “Maria,” “Tonight,” “America,” and “I Feel Pretty?”
“We have assembled an extraordinary cast and creative team for ‘West Side Story,’” said Garcia, who is counting on loyal audience members who championed previous productions (“Music Man,” “White Christmas,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Meet Me In St. Louis,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and “Hairspray”) to return to the Taylor Center to support “West Side Story.”
The gifted creative team for “West Side Story” includes Director Andrew Fernando; Choreographer Joelle Martinec; Music Director/Conductor Brigham Freeth; and Stage Manager Martyn Tyler.
Well-known Southern California actors leading the “West Side Story” cast of 36 include: Tina Hartell as Maria, Adam Rupp as Tony, Sergio Salinas as Bernardo, Veronica Ramos as Anita, and Edward Frame as Riff.
Monrovia High School student Edwardo Ambriz will play the role of Chino. Other Monrovia High School students in the ensemble include: Thomas Jaime, Ben Thomas, Haley Rogers, and 2015 Monrovia graduate Justice McLean-Davis.
Other notable Monrovians in the cast include Monrovia High School drama teacher Nate Overby and Monrovia resident Fil Lujan. For those of you hoping to see Lujan’s terpsichorean skills, you may be a bit disappointed; his is principally a dramatic role.
General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students and children age 12 and younger. $20 tickets are available for groups of 10 or larger, as well as for senior citizens age 65 and above. VIP tickets are available for $35. Rush tickets in the first row are $10 and will be sold on a first come first served basis before each performance.
Advanced tickets may be purchased at Monrovia Travel (401 S. Myrtle Ave.), through Brown Paper Tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com), or by calling (800) 838-3006. Advanced tickets may also be purchased from anyone on the Taylor Center’s Publicity and Marketing Committee, including: Kim Petulla, Joanne Spring, Maria Gray, Helen Hernandez, Landie Lopez, and Susan Motander.
Please note the special matinee ticket price: On Saturday, July 16, all 2 p.m. matinee tickets will be $10, with the exception of VIP tickets.
The Taylor Performing Arts Center is located at 845 W. Colorado Blvd. in Monrovia. Tickets may also be purchased at the Taylor Performing Arts Center beginning one hour before show time.
For questions, please contact the Performing Arts Department at (626) 471-2032 or visit them online at www.LKTaylorperformingarts.com.
“West Side Story” is sponsored by the Monrovia Unified School District and the Boone Foundation.
