NEAR WEST THEATRE PRESENTS

West Side Story

 

 

“We’ll find a way of living.

We’ll find a way of forgiving…

Somehow, someday, somewhere.”

 

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Sara Hartong, Office & Support Specialist

(216) 961-9750

Cleveland, OH (June 10, 2008) – Near West Theatre (NWT) is pleased to announce its 31st Annual Summer Youth Theatre production, West Side Story, the action-packed retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet brought to new life by musical theatre geniuses Bernstein, Sondheim, Robbins and Laurents. Join the Sharks and Jets, warring gangs on the streets of New York City, and discover that love can bloom in a world of hate, violence and prejudice. A cast of vivacious area teens bring new life to such famous classics as “Tonight,” “America” and “Somewhere.”

The production opens Friday, July 18, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. and will run through Sunday, August 3, 2008.  Curtain times are: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3:00 p.m.  All offerings are at St. Patrick’s Club Building, located at W.38th and Bridge Avenue in Ohio City and include free parking.  Season Packages are now available for as low as $50 and individual tickets are only $6.  Packages and tickets are available by calling (216) 961-6391 or by ordering online at www.nearwesttheatre.org

Since 1978, Near West Theatre has engaged youth on the Near West Side in a positive activity that taps their energy, allowing them to discover their creativity and present themselves as contributing members of the community.  Through a process that is intense, challenging and transforming – Near West Theatre, now intergenerational, engages participants and audience alike.  Individuals from all walks of life come together and share their unique life stories and experiences in order to find their own voices and make personal connections with the production.  Through this sometimes rugged and ragged process, people not only discover themselves in new ways but relate to each other through the medium of theatre. 

Near West Theatre’s unique blend of performing arts and community-building has played an instrumental role in the theatre’s success with its audience, community and participants.  Since its inception, more than 15,000 children, teens, and adults have been impacted on stage or behind the scenes at NWT.  Over 92,000 audience members have experienced the transformational power of the Theatre. 

"It is a gift to do something which transforms peoples' lives, and in that respect, Near West Theatre has been sharing its magical gifts with thousands over the years .....young people looking for some meaning in life who found it at Near West, audience members seeking respite from the pressures of daily life to experience the joy and energy onstage, and residents of the community who can take pride at having this gem in their midst.” – (Ellen & Harold Ticktin)

NWT proudly recognizes the 2008 Season sponsorship of Today’s Soft Rock, WDOK 102.1 FM.  NWT is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and is a member of Greater Cleveland Community Shares. Community Shares supports local nonprofit organizations working for long-term, sustainable, solutions to build a stronger Cleveland. Learn more about Community Shares and supporting social justice through workplace giving at www.communityshares.org. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

6514 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH   44102
www.nearwesttheatre.org

 

 

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