MAPA presents a tale of star-crossed lovers… under the stars.Their eyes meet from across the crowded room… and the rest of the world drifts away. He takes her hand in his and as if in a dream, they begin to sing to one another. It is, quite literally, love at first sight. And so begins the timeless tale of two star-crossed lovers in West Side Story, a modern re-telling of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The epic tale will come to life under the evening sky as Maui Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) presents West Side Story at Maui Tropical Plantation beginning Thursday, July 24, with performances until Sunday, Aug. 3.
Fresh on the heels of MAPA’s acclaimed production of The Music Man, which dazzled Maui audiences with its Broadway-style singing and acting, West Side Story promises to offer a magical experience for audiences of all ages.
The groundbreaking musical that inspired the Academy Award-winning 1961 film starring Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno follows the story of Tony and Maria, young lovers caught in the crossfire between rival gangs on the gritty streets of New York City. Exploring the themes of racial prejudice, gang violence and idealistic love, West Side Story features some familiar songs, including Tonight, Maria, Somewhere and One Hand, One Heart. According to film and theater critics around the globe, the tragic love story of West Side Story remains one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of all time.
Performed by a cast of 48 young and talented actors, MAPA’s production of West Side Story is the culmination of more than 200 hours of intensive classes and rehearsals during MAPA’s 2008 Sum’R Acting Camp. The cast will be joined by four seasoned actors who will play the adult roles. David C. Johnston will direct the production, with choreography by Rebecca Owen and musical direction by Marti Kluth. A live band will accompany the stage performance.
The venue for the production is spectacular and unusual: the Sharks and Jets will battle it out under the stars at the Maui Tropical Plantation.
“This is the first major outdoor theatrical production on Maui since we did Jesus Christ Superstar with Keali‘i Reichel and Eric Gilliom in 1995,” said MAPA Executive and Artistic Director David Johnston. “People are used to attending concerts outside, but on Maui we don’t have many opportunities to experience live outdoor theatre. We are grateful to Coffees of Hawai‘i and Maui Tropical Plantation for partnering with us to make it all happen.”
Before the show and during intermission, Coffees of Hawai‘i and Maui Tropical Plantation will offer some tantalizing concessions, such as cheese and fruit platters, hot dogs, desserts and fresh-brewed coffee. Audience members may also purchase drinks from a full bar.
“We encourage our audiences to come early and enjoy the sunset on the grounds of the Maui Tropical Plantation before the show,” said Johnston. “It’s a beautiful place.”
Spend an evening with the talented young cast members of MAPA’s West Side Story—it is certain to be an experience that you will fall in love with….
All seating will be outside on the lawn, so audience members are encouraged to bring blankets or low-backed chairs. A special section for high-backed chairs will also be available.
Performances will take place on Thursday, July 24; Sunday, July 27; Friday, Aug. 1; Saturday, Aug. 2; and Sunday, Aug. 3. All shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $16 for seniors (65 and over) and $16 for students (17 and under). Tickets are on sale now at the MAPA Box Office at 244-8760 or online at www.mauiacademy.org. Tickets are also available at the Maui Tropical Plantation Box Office one hour before the curtain rises on each performance date. To make reservations for special-needs seating or other accommodations, contact MAPA at 244-8760.