Transcript Staff Writer
It was 50 years ago, when a musical made its debut on Broadway that told the story of two young lovers living in New York's west side, trying to overcome the obstacles set by a gang war.
Norman North High School will pay tribute to "West Side Story" this week with three performances.
Director Tony Gonzalez said the show opened Sept. 26, 1957. Gonzalez considers "West Side Story" a "landmark in American musical theater history." The musical was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. It was written by composer Leonard Bernstein, librettist Arthur Laurents and lyricist Stephen Sondheim.
"'West Side Story,' a musical adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet, transplants the young lovers to the violent streets of New York where they are doomed by social conditions they cannot control," Gonzalez said. "The powerful, swiftly moving plot is driven by turbulence and tension. The musical covers a period of only two days; scenes blend into one another as the inevitable progression of events unfolds."
Norman North junior Claudia Fain was chosen to play the role of Maria, whose brother Bernardo (sophomore Evan Robison, 15) is leader of the Puerto Rican gang The Sharks. Maria falls in love with Tony (senior Kirk Forthman), who is co-founder of the American gang The Jets.
Fain, 17, described Maria as a sassy woman who doesn't care about other people's opinions.
"I like her," Fain said. "She says what she thinks."
Senior Emily Ferren was selected to play Bernardo's girlfriend Anita. Ferren, 18, said she liked having the opportunity to take on the role of the young Puerto Rican woman.
"It's fun to talk with a Puerto Rican accent," she said.
Forthman, 18, said Tony is an idealistic person and is immediately drawn to Maria.
"He doesn't see her heritage as a problem," Forthman said.
The actor said his character left the gang life, but Jets leader Riff played by junior Riley Pierce, 17, tries to lead him back into the gang.
Gonzalez said the Norman North production team is looking forward to the musical.
"Everyone associated with this show, cast, crew and orchestra is proud and excited to be a part of this great show. Among the memorable songs are 'Maria,' 'Tonight,' 'One Hand, One Heart,' 'Somewhere' and 'America.' We hope the public will take this unique opportunity to join us in our production."
Gonzalez said the production team includes Jim Ryan, technical director; Darin Chapin, music director; Trent Davis, conductor; and Candace Harper, choreographer.
He said show times will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Nancy O'Brian Center for the Performing Arts. Friday's show will be moved to 2 p.m. Nov. 18 if the Norman North football team is involved in playoffs.
Tickets cost $8, $10 and $12, and go on sale Monday at the performing arts center. For tickets, call 366-1063 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com
Local news
Norman North prepares for 'West Side Story'
- Local news
-
-
'Get the Lead Out' annual children's art festival enters 10th year
Longfellow Middle School had a special “GLO” about it Saturday morning....
-
County prisoners moved to new jail
Cleveland County sheriff’s deputies began moving prisoners from the detention center adjacent to the courthouse to the new F. DeWayne Beggs Detention Center at Franklin Road and U.S. 77 early Saturday morning....
-
School board elections Tuesday
Voters go to the polls Tuesday in four Cleveland County school districts. Cleveland County Election Board Secretary Jim Williams said this will be the first election using the new voting system. Polls will open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on ...
-
Identity theft crackdown sweeps nation
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Justice Department recently announced a national sweep cracking down on suspected identity theft perpetrators as part of a stepped-up effort against refund fraud and identity theft....
-
Darry Stacey seeking county commission seat
Darry Stacy, a fifth generation Oklahoman and lifelong resident of Cleveland County, announced Friday that he will be a Republican candidate for the District 2 Cleveland County commissioner seat....
-
Communicating finances is good for relationship
If Valentine’s Day makes you think of flowers, candlelight and whispering sweet nothings into your sweetheart’s ear, maybe it’s time to think again. While many factors can play into whether a relationship endures for the long term, ...
-
The Week Ahead: China has mighty appetites
America’s banker visits its grocer in the coming week. When Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping tours the U.S., his itinerary includes expected stops in Washington, D.C., and California. But he’s also scheduled to stop in Iowa. Usually ...
-
I-35/Robinson Street interchange project
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation awarded the bid for the Interstate-35 and Robinson Street interchange project on Feb. 6. Silver Star Construction Company of Moore, was awarded the bid at $2,730,900 — $373,700 lower than the ...
-
Public hearings
Residential Code informational meeting 6- 8 p.m., Feb. 16 Multipurpose Room, Norman Municipal Complex 201 West Gray Street The Norman Department of Planning and Community Development is hosting a public information program on the city’s ...
-
Business briefs
The Norman Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will meet at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Norman Public Library, 225 N. Webster. A librarian will speak about Valentine’s day and how it came about and a book display. RSVP: ...
- More Local news Headlines
-
