‘West Side Story’ comes to Negaunee

The latest production to hit the stage at the Vista Theater in Negaunee is one of the most loved musicals of all time.

West Side Story had its opening night Thursday.  It’s a classic take on Romeo and Juliet that features plenty of singing and dancing.

And, it’s the first time The Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council has put on the play since 1982.

“(West Side Story) is kind of one of those shows that’s is the right time to do it,” Director Alfred Keefer said.  “Fortunately we have one of the best crews and great actors.”

“It’s a cast of 35, and so every one of them are fantastic singers, dancers, and actors.  It was just the right time to do West Side Story.”

The musical features veteran and new community theatre actors, giving the cast a variety of talent.

“You have some veteran community theater people that come out, but every show has some new people that come out that have never done theater before,” Keefer said.  “That’s one of the joys about doing this is all of a sudden you find somebody that you’ve never seen before, and they go on stage and they turn out to be fantastic and the star of the future.”

West Side Story’s performances are also Friday and Saturday, and August 21-24.  Shows start at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for high school students.

For more information, you can also visit the Vista Theater’s website.