Signature Theatre Presents West Side Story

West Side Story starts its run at Signature Theatre tonight.

In the show, two star-crossed lovers attempt to overcome hatred and prejudice to be together. In the midst of a gang war, Tony, a member of the Jets, falls in love with Maria, the younger sister of Bernardo, a member of the Sharks. As the pair secretly falls deeper in love, the rivalry and violence between their respective communities grow. Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the musical presents the struggle of love to flourish amid hate and skewed senses of loyalty.

Matthew Gardiner directs the classic musical which features music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents. MaryJoanna Grisso and Austin Colby head up the cast as Maria and Tony. Performing alongside them are Natascia Diaz as Anita, Max Clayton as Riff, and Sean Ewing as Bernardo.

"I can’t wait for our audiences to experience this classic musical in Signature’s intimate setting," said associate artistic director Matthew Gardiner. "Bernstein, Laurents and Sondheim’s story about racial tolerance feels especially relevant today."

The creative team includes Parker Esse (choreography), Jon Kalbfleisch (musical direction), Misha Kachman (set design), Frank Labovitz (costume design), Jason Lyons (lighting design), Lane Elms (sound design), Anne Nesmith (wig design), Casey Kaleba (fight choreography), and Kerry Epstein (stage manager).

Performances will run through January 24.

For tickets and more information, click here.