“It’s entertaining but it’s also going to make you leave the theater taking a hard look at the world we still live in. “It’s a heartbreaking important story,” Egan said. The choreography remains true to the intent of the original but it’s updated in an exciting grittier way.”Įgan said viewers will not only be entertained, but also be inspired to think about how some of these issues are still prevalent today. “The dancing is some of the best dancing you’ll see anywhere,” Egan said. We’re still working through today as a global society.”Įgan said the creative team has taken a deep look at a well-known musical and has made it fresh and new. “It’s a testament to the writing in the show. “With everything that’s going on today, this story is relevant to today’s political and social scene,” Egan said. “West Side Story” was written several years ago, but had insights into what society is today, according to Egan. Our director has encouraged us not to rely on the material but to dig deep and focus on what these characters want.”

“In the retelling, Maria is Juliet and Tony is Romeo. “When they contacted me to audition, I was excited to be a part of such an important story,” Egan said. “We are not updating it but we are trying to find a resonance from today and when the show was written in 1957.”Įddie Egan, who plays Tony in the musical, said he is excited to be a part of such an important musical. “We are reconceiving the dance from the original and it’s going to be an entirely different scenic design,” Israel said. Israel said he is approaching the production differently and is bringing a new vision to the musical. “I think that viewers will certainly be entertained but hopefully they will also have a little piece of life in America illuminated.” “It is an important show from a musical, cultural, and American standpoint,” Israel said.

Israel explained that the context of “West Side Story” is relevant because it deals with themes such as prejudice and social class. Those issues are still with us very much today.” “At the core, it is about how love cannot triumph in an atmosphere of prejudice. “It is an icon of American musical theater,” Israel said. Theatre director Richard Israel brings West Side Story to the CSUN VPAC. Richard Israel, director of the upcoming musical, described “West Side Story” as a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story that takes place in New York. “West Side Story” is the second full-scale musical to be presented at the VPAC following last season’s production of “Dreamgirls,” according to a press release. In an new production, La Mirada Theatre and Valley Performing Arts Center will present West Side Story from March 10 through March 12 at the Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC).

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