A Modern Retelling Of ‘Romeo & Juliet’

BETHLEHEM — West Side Story, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in September 2007, is the production of choice for The Gary-The Olivia Theater at The Abbey of Regina Laudis this summer.

The modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet remains one of the most popular American musicals of all time. Set in inner city New York, on the lower west side of Manhattan, the musical tells the tale of two innocent young lovers, Tony and Maria, inextricably linked to rival gangs, The Sharks (Puerto Rican immigrants) and The Jets (native New Yorkers). Based on the Arthur Laurents book, the original production combined Jerome Robbins’ vision of total integration of music, dance and drama with the powerful, driving, rhythmic musical score by Leonard Bernstein and heart wrenching lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Featuring a cast of veteran performers and newcomers the Bethlehem production will feature Rob Iulo as Tony, Adrienne Camm as Maria, and Molly Shields as Anita. Co-directed by Sally and Thomas Camm and choreographed by Sally Camm, with musical direction by Craig Hartley, performances will run weekends from July 31 until August 30.

Curtain will be each Thursday through Saturday night at 7:30, with matinees planned for Sundays at 2:30. Tickets are $15 and can be reserved in advance or purchased at the performance.

For online admission and information visit TheGaryTheOlivia.com or send email to info@TheGaryTheOlivia.com.

Built in 1982 through the help of actress Patricia Neal, this open-air theater seats 200 people. Past productions range from Shakespeare to Sartre and from opera to musical reviews. Recent performances have included Love Letters starring Patricia Neal and James Douglas; She Stoops to Conquer, directed by Pirie MacDonald; My Fair Lady (2005), The Music Man (2006) and Fiddler On The Roof (2007).