West Side Story – Show Information
Director – Michael Scholar Jr.
Choreographer – Jennifer Lynch
Music Director – Sean Bayntun
Book by Arthur Laurents
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Based on a Conception of Jerome Robbins
Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet
ABOUT THE SHOW
From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time.
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
CAST REQUIREMENTS
* At this time, we will be accepting submissions for the roles of Bernardo, Chino, Maria, Anita and all members of the SHARKS from Latinx/Latine artists only.
Riff
A spritely, quick-tempered leader. He seeks to eliminate the Sharks and establish his own gang’s dominance. Tony’s best friend, he is eventually murdered by Bernardo.
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 30
Vocal range top: G4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Tony
A romantic young man and former leader of the Jets, he has found a new lifestyle now. Tony finds himself violently torn between his friendships and love. Falls in love to Maria and meets an untimely death. Genuinely sweet and sincere.
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 30
Vocal range top: Bb4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Bernardo
A proud, strong, handsome Puerto Rican man. Bernardo seeks to carve out territory as a sense of identity for he and his friends. Maria’s brother and Anita’s boyfriend. Leader of the Sharks.
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: Eb4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Maria
A hopeless romantic and innocent young girl. She falls in love with Tony and finds herself at the center of the violent conflict between the two gangs. Bernardo’s sister. Puerto Rican.
Gender: female
Age: 18 to 21
Vocal range top: C6
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Anita
Feisty and assertive. She dispenses “older sister” advice to Maria and tries to shield her from the dangers of the gangs. Bernardo’s girlfriend and Maria’s friend. Puerto Rican.
Gender: female
Age: 25 to 30
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Chino
An angry and, at times, naive Shark who turns murderous and vengeful. Suitor to Maria and friend of Bernardo’s.
Gender: male
Age: 20 to 25
Anybodys
A spunky tomboy who is desperate to become a member of the Jets. The other Jets mock her for her ambitions, but generally appreciate her company. Full of energy and heart.
Gender: female
Age: 15 to 25
Doc
The owner of the candy store where the Jets hang out. He tries to guide the Jets youthful angst and provides a safe haven for Tony. Old fashioned and wise in his ways.
Gender: male
Age: 60 to 75
Schrank
A local police detective frustrated by the ongoing violence between the Jets and Sharks. Blunt, brash, and unapologetic.
Gender: male
Age: 40 to 55
Krupke
The local beat cop. He has no patience for the gangs conflict and tries to keep tensions from erupting between them. Regularly mocked by the local gangs.
Gender: male
Age: 30 to 60
Ensemble
Jets, Sharks, Jets Girls, Sharks Girls
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
West Side Story will begin rehearsals the week of April 26th (TBC), leading to performances on alternating nights, opening on July 2nd and closing on August 14th, 2027. A more detailed schedule will be posted as soon as it is available. Cast members must be available for ALL rehearsals and performances. ALL CONFLICTS MUST BE LISTED ON YOUR AUDITION FORM.