FRAMINGHAM, MA -The Framingham High School Drama Company will be performing West Side Story on the following dates:

• Thursday, May 12, 2011 @ 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, May 13, 2011 @ 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 14, 2011 @ 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 14, 2011 @ 7:30 p.m.

All performances will be held in the FHS auditorium, 115 “A” Street, Framingham, MA. Tickets prices are $12 in advance, or $15 at the door.  Advance tickets may be purchased online at: www.ticketstage.com

West Side Story, which is a liberally interpreted 1950’s version of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, originally opened as a Broadway play on September 26, 1957 for a run of over 700 performance.

West Side Story was made even more popular by the 1961 movie of the same name starring then 23 year old actress Natalie Wood, (as Maria), Richard Beymer, (as Tony), and George Chakiris, (as Bernado).

The story is set in urban 1950’s New York neighborhoods where rival gangs of white teens and more recently emigrated Puerto Rican teens battle for control of the neighborhood.

Although the Puerto Ricans want to defend their language, culture and traditional customs they are also trying to assimilate to American lifestyle and be accepted by the greater community,  (much like Framingham’s Brazilian community today) .

Tony, former leader of a white street gang, (the Jets), falls for Maria, sister of Bernardo — the leader of a rival Puerto Rican gang, (the Sharks).

The language of the original screenplay is “BPC”, (before political correctness), with lines like; “It ain’t safe to go into PR territory” and lyrics like;  “The Jets are in gear, our cylinders are clickin’, the Sharks’ll steer clear, ’cause every Puerto Rican’s a lousy chicken“, (from the Jet Song, “When You’re a Jet”).

If past performances are any indication of what to expect of the award winning FHS Drama Company, those attending West Side Story are sure to get great entertainment value for the small price of a ticket.

For additional info, contact the Framingham High School Drama Company, 115 “A” Street, Framingham, MA 01701, phone: (508) 620-4963 ext. 27770, or send email to: fhsdrama@framingham.k12.ma.us

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