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TONIGHT, TONIGHT

A bold new production of West Side Story is being presented at John Jay College to mark the 50th anniversary of the immortal musical. Featuring a talented, multi-cultural cast and a Broadway-caliber orchestra, the production places the various members of the Sharks and Jets gangs in different generations spanning half a century in order to stress the point that violence born of hatred is unending. Here are some photos from the show, taken during the opening night performance on Tuesday, December 4. For further information, click here.

"The Jet Song," featuring Dan Kwiatkowski (aloft) as Riff.

"The Jets are in gear, our cylinders are clickin'!"

Riff prevails on his pal Tony to join the Jets in setting up a rumble with the Sharks that will decide the victor of the gangs' turf war.

Tony has a presentiment: "Something's coming; I don't know what it is, but it is gonna be great."

The dance at the gym is the scene of the gangs' confrontation.

Tony meets Maria (Abby Lee), sister of the Sharks' leader, Bernardo -- and the two fall in love at first sight.

Riff and Bernardo (Buenaventura Rodriguez) plan a "war council" to set terms for the rumble .

Tony is transported: "I've just met a girl named Maria, and suddenly that name will never be the same to me."

"Tonight, tonight, it all began tonight" -- Tony and Maria sing of their rapture.

Bernardo's girlfriend, Anita (Heather Refvem, far right), and the other Shark girls debate the merits of living in "America" as compared to Puerto Rico.

Riff advises the Jets to play it "Cool."

Tony convinces the Jets and Sharks that their turf war can be decided by a one-on-one fistfight.

Tony meets Maria at the bridal shop where she works, and the lovers pledge themselves to each other: "Now we begin, now we start, one hand, one heart."

The Jets, the Sharks, Maria, Tony, and Anita all look forward to "Tonight," though for different reasons.

When Tony attempts to stop the rumble altogether, things go awry and switchblades appear; Bernardo stabs Riff to death and then, in turn, Tony kills Bernardo.

Unaware of the tragedy that has occurred, Maria is euphoric ("I Feel Pretty").

After Chino has told Maria of the killings, Tony comes to her, and the lovers plan to run away.

The "Somewhere" ballet.

The Jets jokingly lament their juvenile delinquency in "Gee, Officer Krupke."

Tony and Maria spend a few precious hours together; then he leaves in order to get money for their escape.

Having overheard Maria talking with Tony, Anita berates her friend ("A Boy Like That"), but Maria is steadfast in her devotion ("I Have a Love").

Anita goes to warn Tony that Chino is gunning for him, but she is brutally taunted by the Jets, so she instead blurts out the false information that Chino has killed Maria.

Chino shoots Tony, who dies in Maria's arms. "Hold my hand and we're halfway there, hold my hand and I'll take you there -- somehow, someday, somewhere."

Published on Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Michael Portantiere has more than 30 years' experience as an editor and writer for TheaterMania.com, InTHEATER magazine, and BACK STAGE. He has interviewed theater notables for NPR.org, PLAYBILL, STAGEBILL, and OPERA NEWS, and has written notes for several cast albums. Michael is co-author of FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: BEHIND THE MYLAR CURTAIN, published in 2008 by Hal Leonard/Applause. Additionally, he is a professional photographer whose pictures have been published by THE NEW YORK TIMES, the DAILY NEWS, and several major websites. (Visit www.followspotphoto.com for more information.) He can be reached at [email protected]

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