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Event
BIS Presents WEST SIDE STORY
Book by
ARTHUR LAURENTS
Lyrics by
STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Music by
LEONARD BERNSTEIN
Inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story presents themes central in the lives of young adults -- peer acceptance, friendship and first love -- which play out through the musical's well known song and dance numbers.
Returning for an unprecedented fifth year, Director and Choreographer Jennifer Ibos tackles this American musical icon prepared to deliver another sold out success. Geoffery Torres joins Ibos this year as musical director. And a financial grant donated by the Burlingame Community Education Foundation (BCE) once again made the performances possible.
West Side Story explores the rivalry between two Upper West Side New York street gangs the Jets and the Sharks from different ethnic backgrounds. The feud between the two gangs escalates when Tony, the best friend of leader of the Polish American gang known as the Jets, meets Maria, the sister of the leader of the Puerto Rican gang known as the Sharks. Tony and Maria fall in love instantly, a union instigating both groups to settle their grievances with an all out rumble. Winner of the fight will assume territorial neighborhood rights. Just prior to an all out street battle, Maria begs Tony to prevent the violence and stop the fight. Ultimately this request for peace among gangs forces deathly consequences for both sides.
"I chose this dark but inspirational show because the themes come to life through the lyrics, but the show's moral lesson that violence never solves social problems remains universally true today as it did during Shakespeare's time and back in the late fifties and early sixties in America" - Jennifer Ibos
Thank you to Burlingame Community for Education, for it's support and for making this production possible.
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Discussion
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LocationBIS Auditorium (View)
1715 Quesada Way
Burlingame, CA 94010
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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