Following sell out shows in 2013 and a record breaking UK tour, classic musical West Side Story returns to the Liverpool Empire from August 26-30.
With groundbreaking choreography by the legendary Jerome Robbins, an unforgettable score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story changed the face of musical theatre forever.
Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the show is packed with unforgettable songs including Maria, Tonight, Somewhere, America and I Feel Pretty.
West Side Story changed the course of musical theatre when it opened on Broadway in 1957 and it still remains one of the most successful stage shows of all time. The 1961 film version starring Natalie Wood won ten Academy Awards.
The show is set on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and explores the rivalry between two teenage gangs - one white, the other Puerto Rican.
When Tony falls in love with Maria, the sister of the rival gang’s leader, the feud takes on a new dimension and as their love blossoms so begins a fatal journey overshadowed by violence and hatred.
This production is directed and choreographed afresh by Joey McKneely, former assistant to Jerome Robbins.
Joey has worked extensively on Broadway where his choreography credits include the award-winning Smokey Joe’s Café and The Boy From Oz starring Hugh Jackman.
His other credits include Hal Prince’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Whistle Down the Wind and Nicholas Hytner’s production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
West Side Story can be seen at the Liverpool Empire on Tuesday-Saturday evenings 7.30pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees 2.30pm. Tickets are priced £10–£49.50.
Call the box office on 0844 871 3017 or go to westsidestorytheshow.co.uk.
