From our friends at the National Theatre...
West Side Story returns to its theatrical home at the National Theatre for one week only, June 3 through 8. The landmark American musical made its world premiere at the National in 1957 prior to heading to Broadway, as did its revival in 2008, and now the North American tour of this celebrated story concludes in Washington at the place where it all began.
Ticket prices start at $48 plus applicable service charges, and will be available at the National Theatre box office, online at thenationaldc.com, or by calling (800) 514-3849. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling (855) 486-2516. For more information, call (202) 628-6161.
Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents’ Broadway direction is recreated for this tour by David Saint, the Associate Director on Broadway. The original Jerome Robbins choreography is reproduced by Tony Award-nominee Joey McKneely (The Boy from Oz, The Life).
When describing this revival, Saint explained, “This new version boasts an authentic muscularity to its tone – one which honors the diverse nature of its story and fortifies the atmosphere of prejudice against which this extraordinary love story can play out.”
West Side Story tells the story of star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria as they struggle to rise above the hatred and intolerance that surrounds them. West Side Story soars as the greatest love story of all time and remains as powerful, poignant, and timely as ever. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere.”
The Associated Press says West Side Story “remains Broadway’s best dance-driven musical. Five decades have not dimmed the extraordinary choreography or the score that pulsates throughout.” Variety says, “The true stars of West Side Story are Jerome Robbins' graceful, endlessly expressive choreography and Leonard Bernstein's score, which still sounds bracingly modern a half-century after it was first heard. The music is a primal force.”
West Side Story is written by three theatrical luminaries: two-time Tony® Award winner Arthur Laurents (book), and multiple Tony® and Grammy® Award winners Leonard Bernstein (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) in his Broadway debut. That creative team, along with Robbins, pushed the boundaries of the Broadway musical, and in doing so, redefined an art form.
West Side Story features scenic designs by James Youmans, costumes by Tony Award nominee David C. Woolard, lighting by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley and sound design by Peter McBoyle.
For more information, please visit thenationaldc.com.
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WEST SIDE STORY Performance Schedule
Tuesday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 6 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 7 at 2 p.m.* and 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 8 at 2 p.m.** and 7:30 p.m.
* ASL performance
** Audio-described performance
About the National Theatre:
Located at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, the National Theatre opened in 1835 and is one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the nation. Over the years, the National has hosted a multitude of memorable events, including the pre-Broadway presentations of the musicals Show Boat; Hello, Dolly!; and West Side Story. Many of the world’s greatest performers have graced the National Theatre stage including Robert Redford, George C. Scott, Will Rogers, Helen Hayes, James Earl Jones, Eartha Kitt, Sir Laurence Olivier, Chita Rivera, Rita Moreno, Katherine Hepburn, Rex Harrison, Ian McKellen, Debbie Reynolds, and Audrey Hepburn. National Theatre Group, a partnership between JAM Theatricals, Ltd. and SMG, oversees the programming for and management of the theater.