Young Players Second Stage presents West Side Story, at the historic Royal Theatre in downtown Benton, Arkansas.
Show times are below:
- Thu, Jan 3, 7 p.m.
- Fri, Jan 4, 7 p.m.
- Sat, Jan 5, 7 p.m.
- Sun, Jan 6, 2 p.m.
- Thu, Jan 10, 7 p.m.
- Fri, Jan 11, 7 p.m.
- Sat, Jan 12, 7 p.m.
- Sun, Jan 13, 2 p.m.
This production is made possible through the sponsorship of Advanced Alarm Technologies. Tickets are $15 for general admission; $12 for seniors, military and college students with ID; and $6 for students through high school. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.theroyalplayers.com or reservations can be made by calling 501-315-LIVE.
West Side Story is based on a conception of Jerome Robbins, book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The YP2S production is directed by Justin A. Pike, with choreography by Reagan Hammonds, music direction by Tanner Oglesby. Kenzie Brenton is stage manager, assisted by Lexie Ellis.
Young lovers are caught between prejudice and warring street gangs in one of the most important and powerful musicals of all time. 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. Arthur Laurents’ book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim are widely regarded as among the best ever written. The world’s greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre’s finest accomplishments.
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 of WEST SIDE STORY
- Tony – Mark A. Burbank
- Maria – Madeline Martin
- Riff – Christian Waldron
- Velma – Hannah Blacklaw
- Anybodys – Izzy Hammonds
- Diesel – Luke Ferguson
- Graziella – Meredith Medford
- Action – Brennon Humprey
- Clarice – Gretchen Bush
- Baby John – Jack Clay
- Minnie – Makayla Shipe
- Big Deal – Ethan Davis
- Patsy – Amber Thompson
- A-Rab – Zachary Glover
- Pauline – Meg Amason
- Bernardo – Andrew McBride
- Consuela – Annslee Clay
- Chino – Jaelun Thomas
- Rosalia – Destiny Marchese
- Pepe – Matthew Glover
- Teresita – Skyla Conger
- Luis – Matthew Burns
- Francisca – Katharine Crowe
- Toro – Nathan Clay
- Estella – Chloe Clement
- Indio – William Alverio
- Margarita – Mia Simone Parker
- Nibbles – Noah Lee
- Anita – Kelsey Marie
- Shrank – Hillary Bell
- Doc – Tony Clay
- Officer Krupke/Gladhand – Greg Blacklaw
YP2S is a branch of the Young Players program at the Royal Theatre. It exists to provide advanced theatrical opportunities to likeminded, creative young people in the greater central Arkansas area. YP2S stresses dedication, positivity, preparedness, community, and focus as a means to success. This program provides a unique youth theatre experience in that it combines the talents of young theatre enthusiasts with the talents of experienced adult mentors. YP2S was conceived in 2013 by Justin A. Pike and Daphne Shoppach and produced its first production in January 2014. Ages 13 to 23 are eligible to audition and participate.