HU PLAYERS AND COMPANY PRESENT "WEST SIDE STORY"

Hampton, VA - Hampton University's Department of Fine and Performing Arts proudly closes its 2005-06 theatre season with "West Side Story" in Armstrong Hall's Little Theatre on March 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25 at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees on March 19 and 26 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for senior citizens, children and students, and admission for HU students is free.

This American musical classic sets the story of Romeo and Juliet against a backdrop of urban violence in contemporary New York City.  "West Side Story" revolves around two rival youth gangs, the white Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks.  When the brother of a gang leader falls in love with the sister of the rival gang's leader, the plot twists and offers a gritty departure from the more gauzy romanticized settings of traditional musicals. In 1961, the musical became a further classic when it was turned into a movie starring Natalie Wood.

Driven by the unforgettable music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this compelling story is delivered by a transcendent fusion of realism and fantasy.

Mark Hudgins, the director for "West Side Story," has previously directed such plays as "H.M.S. Pinafore," "The Pirates of Penzance," and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." The Hampton Players welcome Jeff Warner to choreograph the production, with Andrew Austin serving as musical director.

HU welcomes Gregory J. Horton, associate professor of theatre at North Carolina A & T University, as the costume designer for "West Side Story." He has previously designed for such favorites as "A Streetcar Named Desire," "The Wiz," "The Colored Museum" and "The Taming of the Shrew."  He is the national president of the Black Theatre Network and is on the board of directors of the United States Theatre Technologists.

The Hampton Players and Company is a non-profit, professionally run performing ensemble. The performers are not limited to the University stage, but have appeared on stages throughout the United States.

For ticket information, please contact the HU Box Office at 727-5236 or 727-5402.