Wrapping up their last show on Sunday, March 25, the Carolina Forest High School Theater Department performed their version of the late 1950’s musical, “West Side Story.”

“West Side Story” is a romantic musical tragedy taking place in the upper west side streets of New York. The story of “West Side Story” is similar to that of a modern Romeo and Juliet.

The musical involves two west side gangs, the Sharks and the Jets. The Sharks are the Puerto Rican Immigrants who are led by Bernardo. The Jets are the anti-immigration whites led by Riff. Another main character, Maria, is Bernardo’s younger sister who has fallen in love with a former Jet, Tony, who is also Riff’s best friend.

The play involves fighting and harsh words exchanged between the Sharks and the Jets, as well as a forbidden love between Maria and Tony. The play escalates throughout the end of Act one into Act Two with tragedy: Bernardo and Riff are stabbed and killed, followed by Tony being shot and killed.

Our theater department put together an outstanding production West Side Story. The West Side Story cast included: Chattan Johnson, Bailey Strawn, Kenley Juback, Noah Kessler, Alberto Gomez, Braeden Kowalkowski, Brandon Garris, Jacob Phillips, Lance Stephens, Chance Hoover, Isaac Jones, Lay’Quan Williamson, Tristan Brown, Emerson Toner, Briar Watson, Alex Riotto, Sara Harrelson, Hannah Quast, Sara Martin, Tess Edwards, Titus Parmley, Brandon Peugh, Ja’Quan Shelton, Diego Boatwright, Josiah Wilson, Tra’Vaughn Coleman, Antwon Dewitt, Josiah Greaves, Derrius White, Lila Myers, Maggie Daubenspeck, Alex Ilkhani, D’anna Purser, Ariana Giannuzzi, Gabi Everheart, Alex Grizer, Fabio Najjar, Jake Philon, and Peyton Kauffman.

Along with the cast, there were featured dancers, stage managers, choreographers, directors, volunteers and an orchestra who brought the whole musical together.

This musical was one of the most challenging for the theater department. Many cast members say the long hours and intense choreography is what made this musical one of the most stressful yet rewarding experiences.

Cello player Laurel Urban stated, “The music is really challenging to play. Even with all of the practices, there are still multiple parts that I struggle with playing.”

Thanks to the hard work and effort put in by our CFHS Theater Department, this production really stood out from the rest.

Cast member Alex Riotto discussed the strengths of the musical. “This musical overflows with pure emotion. Between the young love, tense moments, and horrific scenes, West Side Story is a show that breaks your heart in just the right way.”, stated Riotto.

Noah Kessler who played Riff, mentioned that he believes the biggest strength of the musical is the story that it tells. He also believes “the amazing dances are what really make this musical stand out.”

The hardworking cast grew very close throughout all the practices and performances. Cast member Tess Edwards stated, “What I will miss the most about this production is meeting up with such an amazing cast and working with them everyday. The days were long, but it was worth it.”

Playing the role of Doc, Fabio Najjar also mentioned that he will miss this performance. Najjar is a senior who has been with the Carolina Forest Theater Department since his freshman year. He stated: “This is my senior show. I’m going to miss the Carolina Forest stage.”

The long days of hard work and practicing by the performers paid off and wowed the audience with every performance.  Despite it being one of the most demanding shows to produce, it was definitely one of the most impressive shows that has been performed at Carolina Forest.

Photo Credit:  Freddy Hendrick