John Jay College & Others Present 'West Side Story' Dec.4-8

John Jay College of Criminal Justice in educational partnership with Ohio Wesleyan University and the Great Lakes Colleges Association has announced a special 50th anniversary production of West Side Story.  This highly unique production is based on a conception of Jerome Robbins, with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents.  Performances will be given on December 4 - 8 at 8PM at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater (899 Tenth Avenue) for a five performance limited engagement.  

"For the first time ever, students from across the country will collaborate on every level of production to create a truly original, cross generational, and multicultural version of the classic West Side Story.   Students and alumnus from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Ohio Wesleyan University, Albion College, The College of Wooster, College of Santa Fe, Hope College, along with many others, will join forces for this monumental 50 th anniversary revival.  For their participation, students have earned academic credit through John Jay College or the New York Arts Program," explain press notes.  Dana Tarantino (Director) has brought theatrical students, arts professionals, and educational resources together for this once in a lifetime anniversary. 

The now familiar plot of West Side Story parallels the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet, but takes place in a time where race and ethnicity divide a city in half.  Set in Hell's Kitchen in New York City, the story follows two young lovers struggling with different backgrounds and family roots as their love is challenged by the ever-strong gang scene in the city, and ultimately leads to death and hesitated remorse.  

Tarantino's creative team includes Nicholas G.M.Ross (Musical Director and Conductor), James Beaudry (Choreography), Art Rotch (Set), Lucrecia Briceno (Lighting), Rosalie Contino (Costumes), and Susan Smale (sound).

Performances are Tuesday, December 4, 2007 through Saturday, December 8, 2007 at 8PM.   Tickets are $20 for general admission, and $10 for students with valid student ID, and are available by calling 212-695-6908.   For group sales call MATCH-TIX Group Sales at 212-354-2220.

The Gerald W. Lynch Theater is located at 899 Tenth Avenue.