Director's Notes for
West Side Story

     It seems like only yesterday we were all walking around humming "At the Copa, Copacaban, the hottest spot north of Havannah." Here we are, back in New York putting a twist on Wm Shakerspeare's most performed piece, exactly the way Arthur Laurents intended. We are producing the play in its uncut version, just as the audience saw it presented on opening night 47 years ago. You will hear and see things authentic to the time period. The tone of the entire production couldn't be more of a departure from last year's Copacabana. Las year the mood was light, playful and full of fantasy. This year it's dramatic, intense and touches deeply not only the audience but every person involved in the production. Putting the passion into a production like our cast has this year makes me incredibly proud. Once again I am amazed at the amount of time, energy and effort that has been put into producting this musical. The students have spent hundreds of hours in rehearsals and costume fittings, building the set and designing programs, posters, lights and sound. Furthermore, the students have spent time on their own studying the art, rehearsing lines and practicing dance steps. The commitment to this project and the team effort my fellow directors and I have witnessed the last three months tells us that every one of these young performers has what it takes to succeed in life. This is alway the most rewarding undertaking each year. Thank you for allowing your children to work with us for this brief time. It's been hard work, but no doubt worth it.

- Gavin