PR: "West Side Story" leaps into Artis–Naples on Dec. 26

"West Side Story" plays at 8 p.m. Dec. 26 27 & 28 with 2 p.m. matinées on Dec. 28 & 29 and a 7 p.m. twilight show on Dec. 29. For tickets ($75 - $110), call 239-597-1900 or artisnaples.org.

The latest tour of "West Side Story" flies into Artis–Naples the day after Christmas.

The original Jerome Robbins choreography for the Jets and Sharks is reproduced for the tour by Tony Award-nominee Joey McKneely. I interviewed McKneely in February 2011 when the tour came to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. Read what he has to say about making the show more masculine by trimming just a few of the more ballet-like moves. He also reveals his numbers to look for.

Bonus: Read my review of the 2011 touring production.

"West Side Story" plays at 8 p.m. Dec. 26 27 & 28 with 2 p.m. matinées on Dec. 28 & 29 and a 7 p.m. twilight show on Dec. 29. For tickets ($75 - $110), call 239-597-1900 or artisnaples.org.

Complete press release below.

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The tour of the smash hit Broadway revival of WEST SIDE STORY is coming to Naples. 

WEST SIDE STORY will open at Artis—Naples on December 26.  Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents’ Broadway direction is recreated for the tour by David Saint, the Associate Director on Broadway. The original Jerome Robbins choreography is reproduced by Tony Award-nominee Joey McKneely (The Boy from Oz, The Life).

WEST SIDE STORY tells the story of star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria as they struggle to rise above the hatred and intolerance that surrounds them. WEST SIDE STORY soars as the greatest love story of all time and remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere.”

The Associated Press says WEST SIDE STORY “remains Broadway’s best dance-driven musical. Five decades have not dimmed the extraordinary choreography or the score that pulsates throughout.” Variety says, “The true stars of WEST SIDE STORY are Jerome Robbins' graceful, endlessly expressive choreography and Leonard Bernstein's score, which still sounds bracingly modern a half-century after it was first heard. The music is a primal force.”

WEST SIDE STORY is written by three theatrical luminaries: two-time Tony Award winner Arthur Laurents (book) and multiple Tony and Grammy Award winners Leonard Bernstein (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) in his Broadway debut.

WEST SIDE STORY features scenic designs by James Youmans, costumes by Tony Award nominee David C. Woolard, lighting by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley and sound design by Peter McBoyle.

For tickets and information, contact Customer Service at 239-597-1900 or visit artisnaples.org for details.

WHAT:                
WEST SIDE STORY
WHEN:                
December 26, 8pm
December 27, 8pm
December 28, 2pm
December 28, 8pm
December 29, 2pm
December 29, 7pm
COST:                        
Tickets range from $75 - $110
WHERE:                   
Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples, Florida 34108
TICKETS:                  
Tickets available online at artisnaples.org or by calling 239-597-1900