Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s hit musical, ‘West Side Story’ is coming to Tameside from 29th March to 1st April 2023. Presented by Hyde Musical Theatre Society the classic love story will take to the stage at Hyde’s Festival Theatre.
Following their sell out production of the Elvis juke box musical ‘All Shook Up’ earlier this year, Hyde Musical Theatre Society return to the stage next year with the romantic and tragic musical ‘West Side Story’.
Recently released in it’s second film adaptation by Steven Spielberg, ‘West Side Story’ takes the well-known Shakespeare play ‘Romeo & Juliet’ into the 1950’s streets of New York. Exploring the fierce rivalry of gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, and the young, forbidden love between Tony and Maria. The musical features songs such as Somewhere, America and I Feel Pretty.
Chair of Hyde Musical Society, Julie Wilkinson Said “We chose this musical not only because is it one of the greats from the fantastic pairing of Bernstein and Sondheim, but it has themes that are so important in the current climate. It’s a tragic but beautiful story that teaches us to love without hate.”
She continues, “The 2021 film was a massive hit, there is still an appetite for this to be brought to the stage. The last time it came to Manchester was in 2020 at The Royal Exchange, so we thought its time to bring the Jets and the Sharks back to Greater Manchester!”
The company, like many other local theatre societies, were pulled from the stage during the dress rehearsals of their 2020 musical ‘All Shook Up’ due to the Covid-19 outbreak. They took to the stage with the production more than 2 years later.
Hyde Musical Society celebrated their 80th year in 2020, and are hoping to bring theatre audiences back into their local theatres following the two years of closures.
Daniel Oliver-Grant, Director of this production of West Side Story said “I’m so excited to be working with Hyde Musical Society, their last show ‘All Shook Up’ was brilliant, well received by audiences and had a phenomenal cast. I think ‘West Side Story’ can be even bigger and better.”
He continues “We’ve got a fantastic group of dancers, and an incredible principal cast that I have no doubt will bring this much-loved musical to life. I’ve got big plans and some great ideas to make this production feel fresh, but keep the charm that audiences know and love.”
Rehearsals start in Hyde this October, and the cast take to the stage for a weeklong run at Hyde Festival Theatre, from 29th March to 1st April.
Tickets are available from Sparks Theatre Management or head to hydemusicalsociety.org.uk for more information.
Opening Night 