Audiences vote for West Side Story
Based on a conception of Jerome Robbins
Book by Arthur Laurents
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
West Side Story, which returns to The Lowry in July, has added to its string of awards with two more accolades picked up this week.
The fiftieth anniversary production of West Side Story was awarded ‘Best Musical Revival’ at the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers’ Choice Awards at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Actress Sofia Escobar was also awarded ‘Best Actress in a Musical’ for her role as Maria.
This unstoppable production of West Side Story was nominated in the same two categories at the Laurence Olivier Awards last month. In December 2008 the production won a Manchester Evening News Theatre Award in the category of 'Best Musical', beating productions of Evita, Zorro and Flashdance.
Set on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, West Side Story explores the rivalry between two teenage gangs; one white the other Puerto Rican. Tony falls in love with Maria, the sister of the rival gang’s leader, the feud takes on a new dimension and as their love blossoms so begins a fatal journey overshadowed by violence and hatred.
Directed and choreographed afresh by Joey McKneely, the UK Tour began in September 2008, following 6 weeks at London’s Sadler’s Wells and triumphant sell out seasons in Paris, Tokyo and Beijing. Due to demand, West Side Story will return to The Lowry Tues 21 - Sat 25 July 2009.
Posted on Wednesday, 18 February 2009 under Press Theatre Press