A First for Regional CenterDiablo Light Opera Opens Bernstein's Classic 'West Side Story' in Walnut Creek on April 1

After a 15-year wait, "West Side Story," the classic Broadway musical love story, will make its debut at the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek in a Diablo Light Opera Company production that features 40 singers and dancers in 24 performances beginning at 8 p.m., April 1.

It will be the first time a full-scale version of the musical, with a 20-piece orchestra, will be presented in the Hofmann Theatre in the center, which observes its 15th anniversary in October.

Tickets ($28-$32) are on sale at the center, 1601 Civic Drive, for all performances through May 8.

The musical will be directed by Grant Rosen, who has appeared in a lead role in several productions of the show, including a European tour under the direction of the legendary Jerome Robbins, who choreographed the show that opened in 1957 on Broadway.

Rosen, who has directed the show over the last 20 years for regional theater companies, is also choreographing the Diablo Light Opera Company production. He is following the original choreography by Robbins, which includes dynamic, high-energy dance steps and intricate movements. --more--

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"I want the audience to be picked up out of their seats when they see the this show," says Rosen. He is also directing the rival gangs' fight scenes, as he did for Diablo Light Opera's production of "The Scarlet Pimpernel" three years ago.

The Leonard Bernstein-Stephen Sondheim score for"West Side Story," based on Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet, includes songs that have become musical classics - "Maria," "Tonight," "America," and "I Feel Pretty."

Starring as the young lovers Tony and Maria in the Diablo Light Opera's production are Derek Lux and Meghann May.

Lux last appeared with the company in its 2003 production of "Ragtime." He continues to perform with Playhouse West, where he will star this June in"Baby." He has also performed in the Eugene O'Neill Foundation's"O'Neill: The Rhythms of His Soul," and with the Fantasy Forum Actor's Ensemble.

"West Side Story" is May's first show with DLOC. She has performed in Contra Costa Musical Theatre's productions of "Grease" and "Titanic."

Coming from New York to make his debut with the company in the role of gang leader Riff is Andrew Call, who appeared as Tony in the national touring company of the Broadway musical "Saturday Night Fever." He also has performed on Broadway in "Annie Get Your Gun," and "Footloose."

Another major role, Bernardo, will be played by Christopher Goodwin, who teaches theatre in a San Leandro school. He has appeared in local productions, including "Pippin" and "Annie."

Producing the show for Diablo Light Opera is Ellen Smith, who also directs the company's "Starstruck" youth theater program. Cheryl Yee Glass is musical director-conductor. Sets were designed by Kelly Tighe.

"Everyone on the show's artistic staff has previously been involved with at least one production, and some multiple productions, of 'West Side Story,'" said Smith "All wanted to be involved with our production because of their passion for the show. For example, Paul Miller, our lighting designer, had the same assignment for a production of the show at La Scala in Italy."