TWO rival gangs are set to tear up the stage when a Romsey school puts on a classic musical production.
Scores of students from across the town will be taking to the stage and working behind the scenes at The Romsey School as they put on West Side Story.
A classic love story inspired by Romeo and Juliet and set in New York, nearly 90 students are taking part in one way or another helping the Jets and the Sharks spar off each other.
With music originally written by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this is a musical licensed by Josef Weinberger for the school.
David Curtiss plays the part of the love-struck Tony, who has fallen in love with Maria, played by Suzanne Poole, brother to Bernardo, played by Ben Niblo.
Bernardo leads the Sharks, while Riff, played by Joss Digweed, runs the Jets and is friends with Tony.
Directed by the head of creative arts at the Greatbridge school, Alison Clarke, the production will also see pupils from Mountbatten School lending a hand.
The community has been preparing since September for the show which starts on Tuesday night.
Her fourth musical at the school, Mrs Clarke, said: “This is one of the toughest musicals that you can do.
“It’s the musicality of it, the irregular, fast beats and rhythms and a very large orchestra, even in its simplest form, making it a really difficult challenge.
“The Romsey School is on the map because of its musical productions.
“Many of the boys have never been in a show before. They turned up for auditions and they really wanted to take part.
“We’ve got some really able singers and dancers.”
Fifteen-year old Suzanne from Romsey, said: “I’m addicted to acting, it’s something I want to do when I’m older.
“My family is really excited, they were the first one to get tickets.”
David, 15, from Romsey, said: “This is my first time on stage, it’s slightly daunting but it’s quite exciting too.”
Headteacher Colm McKavanagh said the school was “really excited” for the first performance on Tuesday February 2.
He said: “The team of staff and the cast have been working exceptionally hard together to prepare for the four performances next week. I know that they will rise to the occasions and the audiences will be spellbound by their talent.”
The show runs until Friday February 5 with some nights already sold out starting at 7pm.
Contact 01794 512334 for tickets and more information.
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