Hassan Sayed ’15

For this year’s spring musical, the Edwardian Players, St. Edward High School’s premiere theatre company, will be putting on the classical musical “West Side Story.” A 1950s adaption of Romeo and Juliet, the story takes place in the Upper West Side of New York and revolves around the conflict between two gangs: the Jets, who are ethnically American, and the Sharks, who are Puerto Rican. However, Tony, a member of the Jets, falls in love with Maria, a member of the Sharks, and while their love is passionate, it ultimately results in tragedy, much like the well-known ending of Romeo and Juliet. First premiered in 1957, the musical’s lyrics were written by Stephen Sondheim and the music by Leonard Bernstein.

The cast, crew and pit of the Edwardian Players have been working hard on this production since January to perfect each of their roles; the crew has built a functional and well-designed set; the pit has worked hard on perfecting Leonard Bernstein’s music, which is oft considered some of the most difficult of all musicals; and the members of the cast have effectively developed their singing, acting, and theatrical skills so as to effectively reproduce the fictional characters of the story on stage.

“West Side Story” runs at St. Edward High School on Fridays and Saturdays April 4th, 5th, 11th, and 12th starting at 8:00 PM. Additionally, there will be a performance for the school on Thursday April 10th for the freshmen and sophomores and a matinee performance at 3:00 PM on Sunday April 13th. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the Performing Arts office or at the performance the day of. General Admission tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.

Come out and support The Edwardian Players as they partake in this theatrical journey!