MTSU Arts recently opened their performance of West Side Story at Tucker Theater on Wednesday, April 20th, with a sold-out auditorium full of excitement, shock, and not a dry eye by the end of the show!

WGNS' Matt Stiles has more:

West Side Story is a famous Broadway musical that modernizes the classic romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet set in New York during the late 1950s. In the upper west side of Manhattan, two feuding gangs battle for the control of their turf. The story proves true to the theme of the tragedy when the situation becomes complicated just as one of the rival gang members, Tony, falls in love with the other rival's sister, Maria.

West Side Story first premiered on Broadway in 1957, and brings to light bold illustrations of immigration, gang violence, racism, pointless deaths, and corrupt authority. The original musical is the result of a collaboration between three theatrical superstars: the book by Tony award winner Arthur Laurents, music by Tony and Grammy award-winner Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Tony, Grammy, Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award-winner Stephen Sondheim. The infamous couple Tony, played by Collin Peterson, and Maria, played by Brianna Smart, bring talent to a show that some could say outshines the original Broadway performance. The production is directed by Kristi Shamburger, with Musical Direction by Raphael Bundage, and Assistant Director Skylar Grieco. The musical production by MTSU students presents a well-choreographed cast of 36 people, spectacular vocals, and stunning lighting that assists in making the scaffolding for the set work in perfect harmony.

West Side Story is presented through special arrangements with Musical Theatre International, Ascend FCU, MTSU Arts Association, and the dedication of the student cast and live orchestra. West Side Story will continue with performances at Tucker Theater on the MTSU Campus the rest of this week until Sunday, April 24th, with showtimes at 7:30pm, and a Sunday showing at 2:00pm. Tickets are available here. General admission tickets are $15 each and $10 for K-12 students; MTSU students, faculty and staff with valid IDs will be admitted free.

For more information about the show, visit www.mtsuarts.com or call 615-494-8810.