ARC’s 2009 musical production was West Side Story.

West Side Story was written by Arthur Laurents (book), Leonard Bernstein (music), and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics). The musical has one of the most popular storylines of all time being based on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Set in Manhattan’s west side/hell’s kitchen in the mid 1950s, the musical explores the rivalry between two teenage gangs of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theatre. Bernstein’s score has become extremely popular over the years; it includes: Something’s Coming, Maria, America, Somewhere, Tonight, I Feel Pretty, One Hand, One Heart, and Cool.

The original 1957 Broadway production, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins and produced by Robert E. Griffith and Harold Prince, marked Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway debut. It ran for 732 performances (a successful run for the time), before going on tour. The production garnered several Tony Award nominations including Best Musical in 1958 and won the Tony in the same year for Jerome Robbins’ choreography. The show has enjoyed an even longer-running London production, a number of revivals, international success, and spawned an innovative, award-winning 1961 musical film of the same name.

Click here to read a review on ARC’s production ofWest Side Story.

Performance Season

The performance season ran over two weeks and included 7 performances:

• Friday 3rd July: 8pm (Gala – Cocktail Attire Event) Saturday 4th July: 8pm Wednesday 8th July: 8pm Thursday 9th July: 8pm Friday 10th July: 8pm Saturday 11th July: 2pm Saturday 11th July: 8pm
• West Side Story was performed at the Banyule Theatre,  Heidelberg.

Cast

Jets Tony Robert Clark Riff Julian Campobasso Diesel Liam Smith Baby John Nicholas Barca A-Rab Nick Kyriakou Action Joseph Bootten Big Deal Tyler Delacretaz Snowboy Nathan Slevin		Sharks Bernado Adrian Ventura Chino Kristian Bressanutti Pepe Anthony Economou Toro Giulian De Vincentis Indio Evan Mullholland Jose Luciano Parissi Juano Reginald Tan Luis Douglas Costello
Their Girls Anybodys Lillian Broadbent Velma Meaghan Kominiarski Graziella Portia Chiminello Minnie Ashleigh Psaila Clarice Ellen Lane Pauline Lisa Shannon Cherie Jess King Mary Jane Alicia Braumberger		Their Girls Maria Lydia Killerby Anita Lara Ishkan Rosalia Louise Parsons Consuela Natalie Torcaso Francisca Michaela Ryan Teresita Lydia Day Estella Lucy Greco Margarita Antigone Koutoulas
The Adults Doc Andrew McDougall Lieutenant Schrank James R Phillips Officer Krupke Nicholas Durbridge Glad Hand Jevon Scandrett

Producers (ARC Committee)

	President		Mark Kearney
	Vice President		Julian Campobasso
	Treasurer		Zoe Hallwright
	Secretary		Jessica Broadbent
	General Representatives		Deanna Bellen Portia Chiminello Ashleigh Kreveld Diana Perini

Artistic Team

	Co-Directors		Matthew Spiteri Anthony Ventura
	Musical Director		Christine Munro
	Choreographer		Carla Gianinotti
	Assistant Directors		Rebecca Mignone Stephen Valeri
	Assistant Choreographer		Stephanie Laiacona

Production Team

	Costume Manager	Priya Namana
	Costumes Assistant	Stephanie Gaspodini
	Front of House Co-ordinator	Lee Gambin
	Graphic Designer	Frank Gullone
	Lighting Designer/Operator	Karla Engdahl
	Make-up Designer	Tegan Brockley
	Properties Team	Portia ChiminelloStephen ValeriAnthony Ventura
	Publicist	Paul Campobasso
	Set Construction Manager	Andrew McDougall
	Set Designer	Andrew McDougall
	Sound Designer	Marcello Lo Ricco
	Sound Operator	Steven Cooke
	Sound Assistant	Patrick Gooden
	Stage Manager	Andrew Jameson
	Assistant Stage Manager	Olivia Scalzo
	Ticket Secretaries	Mark Kearney Sara Lacey Amelia van Lint
	Orchestra	Ross Chapman David Kennelly Megan Linke Gabby Buckle Corey Hall Miles Izzo Kane Nelson Emma Rodda Gyula Csezko Heloise Meighan Simon D’Aquino Anthony Kapolitsas Jonathan Mullins