arts news
West Side Story Runs for Three Sold Out Shows
Cast and Crew:
When tryouts for the fall 2010 musical began last May at the Upper School, it was hard to imagine topping 2009’s Les Misérables performance. But, flush with success, the directors and cast looked forward to their next challenge: Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s West Side Story. “When [music director] Warren Dickson and I were discussing musical titles, I naively thought, ‘What can be harder than Les Misérables?’” said drama director Rick Garcia. “I got my answer — West Side Story! It’s a shame audiences don’t see the rigor our performers have displayed in preparing for the physical demands of this musical. Bruises, sore muscles, dehydration, and pain accompanied song and character to build this show. I am impressed with our students’ commitment and desire to succeed.” For many cast members, this was their first experience with dance. They were indoctrinated and guided by professional choreographer Natasha Davison, a St. Andrew’s parent who teaches and choreographs in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Texas. She kept as close to the original Jerome Robbins choreography as possible. Leading roles were played by Peter Steinbach (Tony), Allie Zodin (Maria), Conor Keelan (Riff), Caroline Crichlow-Ball (Anita), and Parker Rivera (Bernardo). Faculty members John Pomeroy, Doug Booth, Rich Mischinski, and Rob Leacock also made appearances in the show, adding a professional and comical element that delighted the audience. All three shows sold out. Special thanks to alumnus Taylor Smith ’07, a graphic design student at the University of Tulsa, for designing the large banners that hung behind the stage, as well as the posters, programs, and t-shirts for the show.
Jets: Tony – Peter Steinbach Riff – Conor Keelan Action – Forrest Dunlap A-Rab – Charlie Dennis Baby John - Daniel Howry Snowboy – Connor Butler Big Deal – Colin Vanderburg Diesel – Will Pearson Gee-Tar – Reeves Smith Mouthpiece – Malcolm Harvin-Conner Jet Girls: Graziella – Ellary Dahlke Velma – Meghan Lowenfield Minnie – Michelle Saling Clarice – Katie Johnson Pauline – Ashley Dill Sandra – Annie Osborne Joyce – Cara Schwab Anybodys – Lila Brand Schmitz Margaret - Rohaise Firth-Butterfield Sharks: Bernardo – Parker Rivera Chino – Zane Zemborain Pepe – Stephen Barron Indio – William Howard Anxious – Kevin Armstrong Nibbles – Nate Holland Shark Girls: Maria – Allie Zodin Anita – Caroline Crichlow-Ball Rosalia – Ali Campion Consuela – Kate Gester Teresita – Rachel Bishop Fransisca – Erica Weisman Estella – Rachel Dietz Margarita – Kassidy Woytek Adults: Doc – John Pomeroy Schrank – Doug Booth Krupke – Rich Mischinski Glad Hand – Rob Leacock Director – Rick Garcia Musical Director – Warren Dickson Choreographer – Natasha Davison Tech Director – Jason Kruger Dance Captain – Chrissy Shackleford Costume Design – Celia Kilgore Sound Design – Jeff Miller Publicist – Taylor Smith Stage Management – Virginia McBride and Aaron Huntsberger Assistant to the Director – Peggy Keelan Programs – Doug Gester
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