Media Relations
News Releases
For Release Upon Receipt - March 19, 2007
Contact:
Erin Whipple, 617-358-1688, ewhipple@bu.edu
BOSTON UNIVERSITY’S MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY, ON BROADWAY, PRESENTS A 50TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF WEST SIDE STORY
Special Commemorative Lecture by Composer Leonard Bernstein’s Daughter to Precede Opening Performance
Boston – In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story, Boston University’s own musical theatre company, On Broadway, presents a full-scale production of this American musical theatre classic. Shows will be held on Friday, March 23 at 8:00 PM and on Saturday, March 24 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM at Boston University’s Tsai Performance Center (685 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston).
The opening performance on Friday, March 23 will be prefaced by an hour-long presentation by Jamie Bernstein, composer Leonard Bernstein’s daughter. Held at 6:00 PM in BU’s College of Arts and Sciences building, room 224 (also at 685 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston), Ms. Bernstein’s lecture will feature readings from letters written by her father, analysis of his score and clips of music to exemplify the genius of his work. The lecture will be followed by a “meet and greet” reception with Ms. Bernstein at 7:00 PM and the performance of the musical at 8:00 PM.
Boston University graduate student and director of On Broadway’s production of West Side Story, Kate Joyce, said “The collaboration of Leonard Bernstein (music), Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) and Arthur Laurents (book), 50 years ago resulted in the creation of a masterpiece that changed American musical theatre and still resonates today. We are very fortunate to have Jamie Bernstein contributing to the opening night experience. She will not only enrich our production, but also help our audience to better understand and appreciate her father's work.”
The On Broadway rendition of West Side Story features a cast of thirty-two and a full orchestra comprised of instrumental performance students as well as professional musicians, under the direction of BU graduate student Brett Abigana who will bring Leonard Bernstein’s acclaimed score to life. Additionally, staying true to the roots of the original Broadway production, much of the show will feature Jerome Robbins’ Tony-award-winning original choreography.
The production is open to the public and tickets can be reserved in advance or purchased at the door. Tickets for the show are $8.00, tickets for Ms. Bernstein’s lecture are $5.00 and a combination ticket for the lecture and a show are $10.00. To reserve tickets, please email tickets.buwestside@gmail.com and for more information, please call the Boston University Information Center at 617-353-INFO.
West Side Story is a musical written by Leonard Bernstein (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) and was originally directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. West Side Story debuted on Broadway in 1957 and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical. The story explores the enmity between two rival gangs of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds and is based loosely on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The innocent young protagonist, Anton ("Tony"), who belongs to an established local gang, the Jets, falls in love with Maria, the sister of the leader of the rival gang, the Sharks. The dark theme, sophisticated music, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theater.
Boston University On Broadway (OB) is BU’s only musical theatre company and has been bringing quality musical theatre to the Boston University community and the city of Boston since 1994. OB has been dedicated to providing eclectic seasons comprised of Broadway classics (West Side Story, Chicago, Godspell) as well as innovative and edgy pieces (Rocky Horror Picture Show Live!, Bat Boy, The Last Five Years). In addition to outstanding productions, OB offers numerous opportunities for students to become involved in musical theatre, including the bi-annual cabaret event, BYOB: Bring Your Own Broadway. For more information, please visit http://people.bu.edu/onbrdway/.
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