Theatre lovers book your seats- West Side Story- Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim’s musical theatre masterpiece opens at Joburg Theatre from 24 January to 5 March 2017 - and by all accounts, it will knock your socks off!

West Side Story ended a successful, sold-out run at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town in 2015, and was the Fugard Theatre’s first out-of-house production, five years on from the theatre's official launch in 2010.      

Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre have created a South African production on an unprecedented grand-scale that delighted audiences night after night.

Inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, the tale is set in the Upper West Side neighbourhood in New York City in the mid-1950s. The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two street gangs of different backgrounds. The members of the Sharks are taunted by the Jets. The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang leader, Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and the focus on social conflict marked a turning point in American musical theatre. 

West Side Story, Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim’s musical theatre masterpiece, is based on an original conception of Jerome Robbins and is arguably one of the world’s greatest musicals. The stellar creative team is headed by Matthew Wild (The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret, Funny Girl) as director, Charl-Johan Lingenfelder (The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret, Funny Girl) as musical director and conductor, and choreographer Louisa Talbot (The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret, Funny Girl). 

The Fugard Theatre team has selected the finest South African talent for this production that first premiered on Broadway in New York in 1957. The superb cast of 40 is backed by a full Philharmonic Orchestra playing Bernstein's magnificent score that includes iconic songs such as "Something's Coming", “Maria”, "I Feel Pretty” and “Tonight”.  

Reprising their roles as Tony, Maria and Bernardo respectively, will be Fleur du Cap Theatre Award winners Jonathan Roxmouth as Tony and Lynelle Kenned as Maria and Christopher Jaftha as Bernardo. Sharing the title role once more with Ms. Kenned will be the London-based actress and opera singer Filipa van Eck (Carmen, L’Aggripina) who will perform the role of Maria twice a week. Bianca le Grange  returns to reprise her role of Anita. Craig Urbani  plays Shrank and Gladhand. 

The Jets gang is led by Fleur du Cap nominee Stephen Jubber as Riff, backed by a superb cast. 

Christopher Jaftha, now a well-known Top Billing presenter, leads the Sharks as Bernardo. 

Don't leave it till the last minute- West Side Story is going to be a highlight on Johannesburg's 2017 theatre calendar!  

The season will run from 24 January to 5 March 2017 and tickets are now on sale through 021 461 4554, Computicket, 08619158000 or from the Joburg Theatre directly. Given the anticipation about this stellar musical and how the Cape Town season sold out, advance booking is highly recommended. The producers recommend an age restriction of 12 years with parental guidance. 

Photo Credit: Fugard Theatre