Photo: Canna Zhou
CTORA Theatre invites audiences to West Side Story, one of Broadway’s most beloved and timeless musicals, running May 8th to 24th, at the Granville Island Stage.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the gripping tale follows two young lovers, Tony and Maria, who find their lives torn apart by rival gangs in the streets of 1950s New York City. With direction by Chris Adams, audiences will be transported by Leonard Bernstein’s soaring score, Stephen Sondheim’s poignant lyrics, and Arthur Laurents’ timeless book.
“Our vision is to celebrate the legacy of West Side Story while making it resonate with today’s audiences. This story of love, division, and hope is as relevant now as it was when it first premiered,” says Director Adams.
Honoring Leonard Bernstein’s original orchestrations is a 14-piece live orchestra led by Music Director Kevin Woo. Set Designer Brian Ball sweeping 16-foot tall set wraps the cast and audience in the gritty vibrancy of the New York City streets.
Suzanne Ouellette recreates Jerome Robbins’ original 1957 choreography, preserving the electrifying dance sequences that defined the show’s iconic status. “Jerome Robbins’ choreography is integral to the storytelling of West Side Story. Recreating it with precision and passion is both a challenge and a privilege—every movement carries history and emotion,” notes Ouellette, whose dance expertise brings the timeless energy of the original Broadway production to life.
CTORA Theatre’s West Side Story runs May 8-24, 2025 at Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston Street. Tickets range from $38-$68 (plus service fees) and are on sale now at ctora.ca.