(Editor’s note: This series of articles highlighting the main characters and other aspects of the musical will appear in future editions of The Daily Herald.)
The students of Tyrone Area High School are working hard for their upcoming musical production, “West Side Story”, which is scheduled for April 25-26 beginning at 7:30 p.m. both evenings in the high school auditorium.
Tickets are now available at the main office or by calling 684-4240 ext. 3700.
“West Side Story” is a musical written by Arthur Laurents (book), Leonard Bernstein (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics). The story is based loosely on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”.
Senior Garrett Ray plays the character of Action.
His school activities include POPS Extension and Show Choir.
His previous stage experience includes being a singer in the 2005 performance of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” and playing Jack in the 2006 performance of “Into The Woods”.
After graduation, Garrett plans to attend Waynesburg University.
Garrett said about being part of the production, “Though each musical I have ever been in is extremely emotionally and physically draining, the cast and directors always find ways to keep pushing through every obstacle that we face. Not to mention the pay off and sense of accomplishment when the Saturday night performance is over is the best feeling I have ever experienced in my 18 years of life.”
He added, “I would like to thank my family for their undying support, my friends for always driving me to be better than I am and my girlfriend, Kearstin, for putting up with my chaotic schedule no matter what.”
He finished by saying, “I would like to thank everyone who donated money to fund our production. Without you, our dreams wouldn’t be fulfilled for the Class of 2008, including Mrs. Young, for her final musical performance on the TAHS stage. Thank you.”
