West Side Story
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WOS Winner West Side Story Bows Out at Lowry

West Side Story is currently nearing the end of its tour, following huge success at the WOS Theatregoer’s Choice Awards and a gross of £14 million.

The show changed the course of musical theatre when it opened in Broadway and remains one the most successful stage shows of all time. The fiftieth anniversary production of West Side Story was awarded ‘Best Musical Revival’ at the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers’ Choice Awards at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Actress Sofia Escobar was also awarded ‘Best Actress in a Musical’ for her role as Maria.

This unstoppable production of West Side Story was nominated in the same two categories at the Laurence Olivier Awards last month. In December 2008 the production won a Manchester Evening News Theatre Award in the category of ‘Best Musical’, beating productions of Evita, Zorro and Flashdance.

Fifty years after the landmark musical premiered in the UK, the original Broadway classic is back, breaking box office records and playing to packed houses across the UK.

Directed and choreographed afresh by Joey McKneely, the UK Tour began in September 2008, following six weeks at London’s Sadler’s Wells and triumphant sell out seasons in Paris, Tokyo and Beijing. More than 400,000 people have now seen the 50th anniversary production across the UK, more than 72,000 people at Sadler’s Wells alone.

Set on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, West Side Story explores the rivalry between two teenage gangs; one white the other Puerto Rican. When Tony falls in love with Maria, the sister of the rival gang’s leader, the feud takes on a new dimension, and as their love blossoms so begins a fatal journey overshadowed by violence and hatred.

Based on Romeo and Juliet and focusing on social issues, the extended dance scenes, and the unforgettable songs, including “Maria”, “Tonight”, “Somewhere”, “America”, and “I Feel Pretty”, have become part of public consciousness the world over.

The show returns to the Lowry from Tues 21 July until sat 25 July, and this is the final tour date.

For more information about the show, please click here.

- by Glenn Meads

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