Transcript Staff Writer

It was 50 years ago, when a musical made its debut on Broadway that told the story of two young lovers living in New York's west side, trying to overcome the obstacles set by a gang war.

Norman North High School will pay tribute to "West Side Story" this week with three performances.

Director Tony Gonzalez said the show opened Sept. 26, 1957. Gonzalez considers "West Side Story" a "landmark in American musical theater history." The musical was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. It was written by composer Leonard Bernstein, librettist Arthur Laurents and lyricist Stephen Sondheim.

"'West Side Story,' a musical adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet, transplants the young lovers to the violent streets of New York where they are doomed by social conditions they cannot control," Gonzalez said. "The powerful, swiftly moving plot is driven by turbulence and tension. The musical covers a period of only two days; scenes blend into one another as the inevitable progression of events unfolds."

Norman North junior Claudia Fain was chosen to play the role of Maria, whose brother Bernardo (sophomore Evan Robison, 15) is leader of the Puerto Rican gang The Sharks. Maria falls in love with Tony (senior Kirk Forthman), who is co-founder of the American gang The Jets.

Fain, 17, described Maria as a sassy woman who doesn't care about other people's opinions.

"I like her," Fain said. "She says what she thinks."

Senior Emily Ferren was selected to play Bernardo's girlfriend Anita. Ferren, 18, said she liked having the opportunity to take on the role of the young Puerto Rican woman.

"It's fun to talk with a Puerto Rican accent," she said.

Forthman, 18, said Tony is an idealistic person and is immediately drawn to Maria.

"He doesn't see her heritage as a problem," Forthman said.

The actor said his character left the gang life, but Jets leader Riff played by junior Riley Pierce, 17, tries to lead him back into the gang.

Gonzalez said the Norman North production team is looking forward to the musical.

"Everyone associated with this show, cast, crew and orchestra is proud and excited to be a part of this great show. Among the memorable songs are 'Maria,' 'Tonight,' 'One Hand, One Heart,' 'Somewhere' and 'America.' We hope the public will take this unique opportunity to join us in our production."