West Side Story: Gang Musical for Inner Brisbane

Queensland Musical Theatre presents the milestone musical-drama West Side Story 
(book by Arthur Laurents,
music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim) from
 November 6 - 10 at Schonell Theatre, University of Queensland.

Both tender and tragic, the story is based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Instead of warring families, West Side Story concerns two rival gangs, the all-American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks in 1950’s New York. When former Jet leader Tony meets Puerto Rican Maria (sister of Shark leader Bernardo) they fall instantly in love. They meet secretly and plan to run away together but the enmity between the rival gangs escalates to a frightening climax.

This landmark musical bravely addressed dark social issues, while introducing sophisticated music and extended dance scenes. It’s now seen as a major turning point which gave the musical a new and broader definition. The Grammy-winning score includes Something’s Coming, Maria, America, Somewhere, Tonight and I Feel Pretty.

Jo Willans (Maria) moved to Brisbane in 2005 to study vocal performance at the Queensland Conservatorium with Margaret Schindler.  She graduated in 2008 and joined vocal ensemble belladiva.  With the ensemble, Jo toured Southeast QLD; performed live on TV and radio; and joined the Queensland Pops Orchestra for two of their New Year's Eve Galas and the Lord Mayor’s Carols.  In 2010, Jo travelled to Germany to take part in the Neil Semer Vocal Institute and performed there in many concerts.  In May this year, she performed the role of Christine in Phantom of the Opera in the first Queensland amateur production with Savoyards. Jo loves musical theatre. She has many roles to her credit and has appeared in shows such as West Side Story, The Music Man,Annie, ScroogeandThe Gondoliers. Jo has previously performed for QMT in the role of Josephine in HMS Pinafore (2011).

Sam Huybregts (Tony) graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich with a Bachelor’s degree in Aural Studies and Piano Performance. His credits include Miss Saigon, RENT and Sweeney Todd, all with Ignatians’ Musical Theatre Society, as well as Songs For a New World (Phoenix Ensemble). More recently Sam has performed as Pan in Bat Boy: The Musical (Underground Productions) and as Laurie in Little Women, again with Ignatians.

Bookings

Queensland Musical Theatre:    http://www.queenslandmusicaltheatre.com/index/tickets/

Ticketek: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=WESTSIDE13

Phone: 132 848

November 6 - 10, 2013

7.30 pm. Wed to Sat

1.30 p.m. Sat & Sun

Production Director:

Deian Ping

Choreographer:

Julianne Burke

Musical Director:

Andrew Firth

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