Broadway classic “West Side Story” begins its run at The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre at The J on Saturday, July 5.
The show plays 14 public performances on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through July 27. Produced in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, this production brings Leonard Bernstein’s music and Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics to life under the direction of Jerry Jay Cranford.
Tickets are available now at TheWhiteTheatre.org. Performance dates and times include Saturdays, July 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, July 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 2 p.m.; Wednesdays, July 9, 16 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.; and Thursdays, July 10, 17 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.
In “West Side Story,” Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is reimagined in 1950s New York City, where two young lovers are caught between rival street groups, the Jets and the Sharks. “West Side Story” remains one of Broadway’s most enduring musicals, celebrating love, community and the strength of human connection.
“Tony and Maria’s hope that love can change the world feels more urgent than ever,” said director Jerry Jay Cranford, whose performance résumé ranges from Broadway’s “Les Misérables” to touring productions of “Evita” and “Singin’ in the Rain.”
“We all know the Shakespearean origin, the brilliant score, the incredible dances, but the fact is that this story is still so important to educate contemporary audiences that hate, division and anger can never have a happy ending,” Cranford said.
Kansas City actress Pancha Brown stars as Anita, a role she’s dreamed of playing since childhood, after seeing Rita Moreno’s iconic performance shortly after arriving in the U.S. from Bogotá, Colombia.
“This musical is about representation, hope, love and forgiveness,” Brown said. “I’m thrilled to invite everyone to experience it on The White Theatre stage.”
This production of “West Side Story” is best suited for audience members 13 and up, due to the nature of the story and some simulated violence. Parents are encouraged to make their own informed decisions about who should attend.
With another season coming to a close, The White Theatre continues its commitment to bringing high-quality, engaging productions to the community. The 2024–25 season wraps up with the world premiere of “Stuff of Dreams,” a new musical running Sept. 13–21.
Season tickets for the 2025-26 season at The White Theatre are on sale now. Show titles include “Hello Dolly;” “Rent,” which will be co-produced with KC Melting Pot Theatre; “The Play That Goes Wrong;” and Disney’s “Frozen,” a co-production with The Coterie Theatre.
Full descriptions and performance times for each event are available at TheWhiteTheatre.org. Auditions for musicals and plays produced at The White Theatre are announced online and on Facebook.