Timeless tale of love stirs 'West Side Story'
Howell students are excited to perform hit Broadway musical
BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY ERIC SUCAR staff Howell High School sophomore Brian Benedicks and other cast members rehearse the prologue act from "West Side Story," which will be performed at the school.

HOWELL - The Broadway classic "West Side Story" is coming to the stage at Howell High School for the first time.

The 1957 play with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim is a modernization of William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet." Well-known songs from "West Side Story" include "Something's Coming," "Maria," "Tonight," "America," "I Feel Pretty" and "Somewhere."

"West Side Story" will be performed in the Gosewisch Auditorium at Howell High School, Preventorium Road, Howell, on Feb. 29,March 1, 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. All seats are reserved and tickets are on sale now for $12. Tickets are available by calling the box office, (732) 919-2131, ext. 8489.

Because there are so many talented male students attending the school, drama director Stephen Kazakoff said this year was the most opportune time to stage the story about two gangs, the Sharks and the Jets. The play takes place on New York City's Upper West Side.

Howell High School students (l-r) junior Brianna Rosado, senior Kate Baldasare and junior Maggie Rodriguez rehearse a scene from "West Side Story," which will be presented at the high school on Feb. 29, March 1, 7 and 8. "West Side Story," which debuted on Broadway in 1957, is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."

"When we saw the talent of our current students there was no doubt that this was the year for 'West Side Story.' The students in the cast and in the orchestra are incredibly talented and have successfully met the challenges of the play's demanding music and dance pieces," Kazakoff said.

As they display their talent, the performers will bring the audience the lessons of love, tolerance and acceptance, all while exploring issues of racism and hate that are part of "West Side Story."

The students' showmanship and dedication to the piece reinforces the philosophy of hard work and discipline found in the Freehold Regional High School District's fine and performing arts program that is based at Howell High School.

The school produces two plays and two musicals every year in addition to the individual performances required by the 200 students who are enrolled in the fine and performing arts program.

According to Lisa Twamley, choreographer, the mission of the fine and performing arts program is to instill excellence, discipline and the importance of honing one's craft.

"The philosophy really is to teach these kids the process of the hard work, discipline and commitment that goes into preparing you for the stage," Twamley said.

In regard to the upcoming production of "West Side Story," she said, "I think this is the ultimate because it is so hard. They have to put so much time and effort into the preparation, and being professional, and working on things on their own. These kids really put a lot of their own personal integrity into it."

Vocal director Regina McAllen said although "West Side Story" was written a half-century ago, its themes are timeless and she said the play touches on issues the audience will relate to.

"The show is so relatable that everything, the issues of racism, gangs and love, are things that everyone deals with and is aware of," McAllen said. "The music is very distinctive and the singing is very operatic; however, it is a great introduction for this type of music (opera) to the audience."

Sophomore Brian Benedicks, 15, who plays Bernardo, said the main reason why people should come to see "West Side Story" is because "it has elements that make a show great."

"Alot of shows are great, but in this show you can really see how hate can kill us and how love persists no matter what," he said.

Other cast members in Howell High School's production of "West Side Story" include Corey Mosello as Tony, Mary DiGangi as Maria, and Brianna Rosado as Anita.