'West Side Story' Opens at Norwood High School

Tonight the Norwood High School Fine Arts Department will put on the first musical to grace the stage of the new high school - Leonard Bernstein and Jerome Robbins’ "West Side Story."

Show director Chris Martin said that there were many options for the opening production, but "West Side Story" stood out in the end.

"When deciding on a show for this year's musical, the production staff wanted to really make the first musical at the new Norwood High School memorable," Martin said. "Many shows were tossed around, but ultimately we decided that West Side Story is such a popular musical that it would be a great premier performance. The show is very difficult and the staff wanted to push the students in all areas of singing, acting and dance."

Over 50 students from grades 8-12 are performing in the production, and have been rehearsing five days a week since June. Student volunteers also help with lights, hair and makeup.

The show is an adaptation of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," set in New York City. While rival gangs fight for dominance and respect, young lovers Tony and Maria face the challenges of forbidden love and loyalty to their respective sides.

Performances will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets for tonight's performance can be purchased for $10 general admission and $8 for students and seniors. Tickets for all other shows will be sold for $12 general admission and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets will be sold at the door and are also available for advance purchase by calling 781-769-2333.

Casting of some of the main characters is as follows: Junior Anthony Rodriguez will be playing Tony, junior Sarah Maloney will be playing Maria, seniors Julie Cordero and Lauren DeSilva will both be playing Anita, senior Eddie Hernon will be playing Riff, and senior Chris Kelleher will be playing Bernardo.