Support Grows for West Side Story

THE Millennium Forum has announced that its Youth Theatre Group’s summer stage production of ‘West Side Story’ has received support from both Derry Credit Union and Lloyds TSB Foundation for Northern Ireland.

A spokesman said: “This support is gratefully received by the Forum and boosts the ethos behind the project which is to encourage the participation of young people in the arts whilst promoting community co-operation.

“This Forum initiative sees a licensed production of ‘West Side Story’ staged for three public performances from this Thursday, August 14 to Saturday, August 16 at 7.30pm.

“An unprecedented number of youngsters from all sections of the community have already auditioned for the 41-strong cast.

“Since June these young people have been undertaking an intensive schedule of rehearsals and vocal and dance workshops in preparation for their stage performances at the Millennium Forum, the culmination of three months hard work.

“As with previous years’ productions, the young cast will experience many new skills as part of this project: enjoyment in the arts; improving self-esteem; team-building; coaching in acting, music, singing, dancing; having the unique experience of being a part of a professional operating theatre alongside a professional team and for many making their stage debut.”

Director Jonathan Burgess, musical director Trevor Burnside and dance tutor Carrie Logue-Houston will continue to put the cast through their paces in the lead-up to the three public performances at the Millennium Forum.

Helen Quigley will put the finishing touches to this dazzling production by making sure the cast look the part for the fire- escape webbed stage, with the dax waxed working-class New York toughs and the passionate Puerto Ricans providing a pulsating feast of dance, costume, music and energy.

The recreated New York City street setting will emanate the jukebox feeling music of the classics ‘Maria,’ ‘America,’ ‘Somewhere,’ ‘Tonight,’ ‘I Feel Pretty,’ and ‘Cool’, while the choreography runs the gamut from jitterbugging to street fighting.

Tickets priced at Pounds 6 and Pounds 7.50 (concessions available) are currently on sale at the Box Office on 028 7126 4455 or alternatively you can go online to buy them at www.millenniumforum.co.uk

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