“West Side Story” is a music theatre classic, with extensive choreography, a ballet dream sequence, complicated rhythms, intense emotion, and challenging vocal lines. Perry-Lecompton students have worked immensely hard to bring you a show that is a true portrayal of the teenage dilemma during the 1950's in New York City.

“West Side Story” is largely based on Shakespeare's “Romeo and Juliet.” It portrays Puerto Rican and American gang violence as Tony, a former Jet, falls in love with Maria, the sister of the Sharks' leader Bernardo. They are determined to make the relationship work, but are kept apart by the bitter rivalry between the two gangs. After the gang leaders Riff and Bernardo are killed in a rumble, Maria and Tony try to escape but are just greeted with more tragedy.

This musical was a huge undertaking for the students and directors. We chose “West Side Story” because we knew we had the talent to give it justice and that we finally had enough leading guys to perform this male-heavy show. This was a very intense two months of work, but it was all worth it once each character started to develop, when the dances were perfected, and when every scene is full of emotion and drama. It was so much fun to see the show come together and to have three great performances.

The cast and crew did an amazing job of performing a very hard show this year. It was also great to have members of our faculty and community join the cast: Pat Winchester, Pat Hupfauf, and Wes Cottrell were outstanding additions to our show. Thank you to everyone who came to see the show and congratulations to the cast and crew for another successful PLHS musical.

- Alayna Powell