Over the festive season, The Playhouse
Company will present a staging in The Playhouse Opera Theatre of the original
Jerome Robbins production of West Side
Story, featuring music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
The multi-award winning South African
creative team is headed by director Ralph Lawson with set and costume design by
Sarah Roberts, choreography by Adele Blank, lighting design by Michael
Broderick and sound design by Trevor Peters. Musical director/repetiteur will
be Andrew Warburton.
The production will perform to live
accompaniment by Africa’s premier orchestra, KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic
Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Lykele Temmingh (alternate conductor Naum
Rousine). Bernstein's prolific score for the musical includes I Feel Pretty, Tonight, Somewhere, Maria, America,
and many more.
The story is set in the East 40s and West
50s of the Upper West Side neighbourhood in New York City in the mid-1950s, an
ethnic, blue-collar neighbourhood. The musical explores the rivalry between the
Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.
The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and focus on social
problems marked a turning point in American musical theatre.
Commenting on the choice of West Side Story for The Playhouse
Company, Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Linda Bukhosini said: “We are
very excited to be staging this all-time classic which showcases the
exceptional talent we have in our country. The cast comes from all over South
Africa and represents all racial backgrounds.”
The theme of the production is just as
relevant today as it was in the 1950’s, focusing on racial tolerance, social
cohesion and transformation This production engages the audience in these
conversations in magnificent fashion with outstanding dance, music, staging and
lighting effects.
West
Side Story runs from November 20 to December 29 with
two previews on November 20 and 21, followed by 35 performances which include
Saturday and Sunday matinees. Ticket prices range from R100 to R150, with
concessions for students and pensioners. Bookings are open at Computicket and
tickets may be bought via the website, call centre, Computicket outlets or at
Shoprite & Checkers money market counters.
Block booking and show and function
packages are also available at discounted rates. For further information on
these packages contact the sales co-ordinator, Dawn Haddon on 0313699456 or salescoordinator@playhousecompany.com
The South African production is made
possible by special arrangement with DALRO.
Subsidised parking is available at The
Royal Hotel, as well as the Albany Parking Garage
Posts
