Fiddlehead Theatre Company to Open 21st Season with Classic Musical West Side Story
Fiddlehead Theatre Company, the resident theatre company of Boston's historic Strand Theatre, will open the company's 21st season with the classic West Side Story from October 16-25, 2015. The finest talents direct from the Broadway revival and national and international tours of West Side Story will bring this masterwork to life on the Strand Stage.?? The production will be costumed and Directed by Stacey Stephens, original choreography recreated by Wendy Hall, and Music Director Charles Peltz will direct a 22-piece orchestra bringing Bernstein's music to life. Fiddlehead's largest season ever will continue with Disney's The Little Mermaid from November 17-Dec 6; 2015; the hit Broadway sensation RENT from February 5-21, 2016, and the timeless classic Show Boat April 22-May 1, 2016. All productions will take place at The Strand Theatre (543 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA). To purchase tickets for Fiddlehead's 2015-2016 season, or for more information about group and student discounts visit www.fiddleheadtheatre.com, or call 617-514-6497.
"We are proud to bring the classic American work West Side Story to Boston audiences, exclusively at the Strand Theatre for six performances only," said Meg Fofonoff and Stacey Stephens, Producing Artistic Directors of Fiddlehead Theatre Company. "Our entire 2015-2016 season, beginning with West Side Story, continues on Fiddlehead's journey of taking a fresh look at each show and bringing our audiences new productions that they won't see anywhere else. With strong new directional and visual concepts, our shows keep the integrity of the original with a new twist."
Fiddlehead's West Side Story will dig deeper, into a story of longing for a world that isn't defined in black and white. "Many productions of West Side Story rely on the strength of both the score and choreography but gloss over the tragic story being told," said Fofonoff and Stephens. "In the simplest of terms, it is the story of life and death, love and hate. A story of people looking for their place; a place of acceptance, and belonging. We hope after seeing our production of West Side Story that audiences have connected with the story of star-crossed lovers and yet look beyond to a world where hate and prejudice don't exist."
About West Side Story
Leonard Bernstein's soaring music brings to life the retelling of Shakespeare's most romantic love story, Romeo and Juliet. Set against the gang violence of New York City in the late 1950's, West Side Story tells the tale of two star-crossed lovers whose families' heritage and prejudice brings their love to a tragic end. Featuring Arthur Laurent's book and Stephen Sondheim lyrics in such classic songs as "Tonight," "Maria" and "Somewhere," this is a show for all ages.
West Side Story will run for 6 performances only: Friday, October 16, 8:00 pm; Saturday, October 17, 8:00 pm; Sunday, October 18, 2:00 pm; Friday, October 23, 8:00 pm; Saturday, October 24, 8:00 pm; Sunday, October 25, 2:00 pm.
West Side Story is based on a conception of Jerome Robbins. Book by Arthur Laurents, Music by Leonard Bernstein, and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Entire original production directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. Originally produced on Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince by arrangement with Roger L. Stevens. West Side Story is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th St., New York, NY 10019. Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax 212-397-4684. www.MTIShows.com