“West Side Story” is making its way to the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn this May and we could not be more excited. If you’re unfamiliar with the classic tale, we suggest you buckle up and get ready for an evening of music you’ll be singing all the way home, and likely for the foreseeable future.

Chances are you’ve already heard the most famous songs whether you’ve seen the musical or not. “I Feel Pretty,” “Somewhere,” and “America” have solidified their status in the pop culture zeitgeist.

With music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents, this unforgettable classic captures the thrilling passion of first love and the heartbreak of a world divided. Set in 1950s New York, the musical is a reimagining of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It would seem that these themes still resonate with audiences over 400 years later.

Today, Jersey Arts speaks with actors Antony Sanchez, who plays Bernardo, and Kyra Sorce who plays Consuelo in the upcoming Paper Mill production. Stay tuned for an exhilarating chat about the behind-the-scenes of building West Side Story.

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