“West Side Story” Now at Westchester Broadway Theatre

BY GEORGE J. DACRE

Inspired by Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is what some critics describe as possibly the greatest musical ever, set on the mean streets of Manhattan in the Upper West Side neighborhood of San Juan Hill.

It’s West Side Story, of course, featured on the main stage of Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford through July 5. Set in the tough inner city streets of the 1950s, “West Side Story” is the love story of two star-crossed lovers from different worlds, Tony and Maria. Tony is a member of the Italian and Irish street gang the Jets and Maria is related to the Puerto Rican gang members of the Sharks. Despite the natural tensions, they try to create a life together while the Jets and Sharks continue their war against each other.

Leonard Bernstein’s fabulous score for this show includes such classics as “Something’s Coming,” “Maria,” “America,” “Somewhere,” “Tonight, I Feel Pretty,” “Gee, Officer Krupke” and “Cool” among others. “West Side Story” was produced last time at Westchester Broadway Theatre in 1998 and producers Bill Stutler and Bob Funking say they are proud to bring it back to the theatre.

Director Barry McNabb who directed the show at WBT in 1998 is back to direct this production. Assistant Director and Choreographer is Warren Curtis. Tickets at 914-592-2222 or broadwaytheatre.com.