Manchester’s ‘epic and uncompromising’ Victoria Warehouse will play host to the National Youth Music Theatre and their explosive production of West Side Story this month.
The show will run from August 21 to the 24 and the venue has been specially selected for its unique surroundings.
West Side Story is Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet transported into 1950’s New York City.
With two young lovers caught between warring street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, this is a musical full of romance and tragedy.
Nikolai Foster, director of this West Side Story adaptation, said: “The mighty Victoria Warehouse is an exceptional space – epic and uncompromising.
“It is here we shall create a piece of work contemporary in tone, ambitious in scale, immersive, truly explosive and unashamedly theatrical.”
The show will feature a cast of 40 exceptionally talented young people from all over the UK, and an orchestra of 35.
Unforgettable lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and iconic music by the legendary composer Leonard Bernstein, means that West Wide Story is filled a show bursting with emotion
Mr Foster added: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a new production of arguably one of the most significant and greatest musicals of all time.
“West Side Story represents the very best in music and dance storytelling, as relevant today as when it first exploded onto Broadway in the 1950’s.”
With West Side Story already having a large fan base, this adaptation is sure to be a hit among existing fans and potential new ones.
Choreography by Drew McOnie will have the audience tapping their toes along to the catchy Puerto Rican rhythms throughout. Just make sure you bring your tissues as the epic finale is sure to have you in floods of tears.
The National Youth Music theatre has 35 years of experience and allows thousands of young people to develop their creative and personal potential.
Described as ‘the finest youth theatre in the world’ by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, this is definitely a must see for all musical and theatre fans.
Tickets cost £20 (plus booking fee) with seniors, concessions and under 26 at £18 (plus booking fee)
To contact the box office call: 0161 660 7000 or visit the website by clicking here.
Images courtesy of Matt Hargraves, with thanks.
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