BY DUSTIN L. DANGLI
Director Marty Fredrick knew putting on a production of ?West Side Story? would be a challenge, but one that?s worth bringing the show to the Mansfield community. {{more}}
?We at Mainstage Classic Theatre actually feel an obligation to bring the show to the area for audiences to see the classic work,? she said.
The community theatre will host three performances of the musical at the Kennedale Performing Arts Center this weekend.
The musical tells a story of two lovers separated by social constructs in 1950s New York City. Tony, a member of a gang called the Jets, falls in love with Maria, the sister of the leader of rival gang the Sharks.
The show features several acclaimed music and dance number including ?Maria,? ?Tonight? and ?One Hand, One Heart.?
?This show has more famous musical numbers than any show written,? Fredrick said. ?Everyone of these is familiar and just a wonderful work in itself.?
Fredrick said several of her colleagues were worried about putting on such a challenging show, but Fredrick said the cast?s experience has allowed for a positive experience. She added that she, the choreographer and music director have also worked on the show previously.
?All of that being said, if any production group of directors could bring the show, it could be us,? Fredrick said.
Fredrick said one of the most technically difficult and impressive parts of the show is the musical numbers, which the theatre will perform with a 25-piece orchestra.
Music director Scott Ferrell said he is committed to bringing audiences the music as the original writer Leonard Bernstein intended. The music?s 1950s jazz score is rhythmically difficult, but it adds intended tension to the performance, an additional depth lost in renditions that ignore the music?s nuances, he said.
?They [audiences] will get what Bernstein wrote, what I feel Bernstein intended for the show and how it should be performed,? Ferrell said. ?The talent is certainly there and I know people will be moved.?
Dustin L. Dangli, 817-390-7770 Twitter: @dussssstin
MAINSTAGE CLASSIC THEATRE PRESENTS ?WEST SIDE STORY? Kennedale Performing Arts Center, 901 Wildcat Way, Kennedale
- 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18
- 7 p.m. Saturday, July 18
- 3 p.m. Sunday, July 19
COST: $12-$20
Read more and buy tickets at Mainstage
Classic Theatre
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