‘West Side Story’ On Sherman Stage

SHERMAN — Shakespeare’s greatest love story, Romeo and Juliet, will come to life in the form of Leonard Bernstein’s celebrated musical West Side Story when Sherman Playhouse curtain rises opening night, August 1.

Performances will continue on weekends through August 30.

Bernstein’s landmark musical, with book by Arthur Laurents and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is being directed and choreographed for Sherman Players by Lanny Mitchell of Danbury, who staged Company in 2001 and Big: the musical last summer.

Shakespeare’s drama is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers are caught between warring street gangs. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice has been hailed as one of the most relevant musical dramas of our times.

The Sherman Players cast of 30 includes Brittany Ross of New Milford as Maria, Matthew Grills of Newtown as Tony, Katharine Shagoury of Cheshire as Anita, Thomas Mulhare of New Milford as Riff, Daniel McCallion of New Milford as Bernardo and Joseph Scalzo, Jr, of Washington as Action.

The musical director is John Moran of Amenia, N.Y., and Phoebe Hodge of Danbury and Lisa Pontillo of Southbury are co-producers.

The usual show days and times have been altered for West Side Story. Opening night is Friday, August 1, at 8 pm, but most performances are Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday afternoons at 3. The performance schedule is as follows: Friday through Sunday, August 1-3; then Saturdays and Sundays, August 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24; and then Friday and Saturday, August 29-30. Ticket prices for musicals are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and students.

The opening night audience is invited to the traditional “spritzer” party before the show and at intermission.

Sherman Playhouse is at the intersection of Routes 37 and 39, behind Sherman Firehouse. For reservations and information call 860-352-3622.