St. Joe’s performs West Side Story for the fourth time in school history and first since 2008 today through Saturday, February 3rd.

The classical musical based on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet depicts the lives of star-crossed lovers Maria and Tony, and the fierce rivalry of two New York City gangs – the Jets and the Sharks.

It also marks the 26th musical Mr. John Asselta has produced and directed for St. Joe’s award-winning theater program.

“It’s a fun experience,” said Zach, a senior who splits his time among academics, varsity basketball and the Inserra Theater where he plays Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. “I get to experience every aspect of high school, from athletics to the arts.”

“It’s exciting to perform West Side Story because of its history and ongoing relevance,” said junior Patrick , who is Riff, the leader of the Jets. “The show has really come together and I can’t wait to perform in front of audiences.”

West Side Story first came to Broad-way in 1957 and was made into a movie in 1961. It won two Tony Awards and 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

“Watching West Side Story is why I have been involved in musical theater for over 40 years, truly life changing for me,” said Mr. Asselta. “I’ve been involved with a number of high school productions of West Side Story. It’s been nine years since the last one but once again I have the privilege and I truly consider it a privilege, of bringing this incredible piece of musical theater to the stage at St Joe’s.”

Asselta and Mr. Frank Ingrasciotta, the director of this year’s production, selected West Side Story because a large number of St. Joe’s students wanted to be involved in this year’s musical and it is mainly a boys’ play.

“West Side Story has been one of the most challenging shows to direct,” said Ingrasciotta, “but I am so proud of how the cast has come together as a team to put on a dynamic show that we can all be proud of.”

“Although much has changed in the last 60 years, so much has remained the same,” said Asselta. “The issues played out in West Side Story – prejudice, intolerance for differences, and the use of senseless violence – still exist in our world. The specific groups of immigrants have changed a number of times over the years, but the fears of accepting people’s viewpoints that differ from ours still exist. The story is as relevant today as it was in 1957.”