“I am thrilled with the turnout that we have had for Sleepy Eye Community Theatre’s return. The production team, cast and crew bring energy, excitement and concentration to every rehearsal,” said director George Hirschboeck.

“We are lucky to have many people with years of experience along with newcomers to the stage, all of whom are eager to put on a great and powerful show,” added Hirschboeck. “We have a diverse and energetic cast, high school-age and adults. I am grateful for their commitment. You will not want to miss this show.”

A modern Romeo and Juliet story set in 1950s Manhatten, the musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds, and the romance of Maria (Karina Koracan), a Puerto Rican immigrant, and Tony (Michael Koester), former Jets leader.

Some of the hit songs in the music include “Somethings coming,” “Maria,” “I Feel Pretty,” “A Place for Us” and “Somewhere.”

Staff photo by Fritz Busch The Shark Girls perform a dance routine during a rehearsal of "West Side Story" by the Sleepy Eye Community Theatre. The iconic musical, a modern Romeo & Juliet story set in 1950s Manhatten, takes the Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s Auditorium stage at 7:30 p.m. July 14-15 and 2 p.m. July 17.

“Sleepy Eye Community Theatre has a strong history of producing shows that captivate audiences. ‘West Side Story’ is no exception, with intense dance numbers, dynamic vocals and an important message: that love wins over hate,” Hirschboeck said.

Advance tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students. General admission tickets, if available, will be sold for $9 for adults and $7 for students at the door an hour prior to show times. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 14-15 and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 17.

Cast and crew include Karina Korcan, Ruby Lopez, Michael Koester, Meriden Andres, Jose Cervantes, Austin Wyman, Kyle Capacia, Leo Fernandez, Marcus Martinez, Damazion Porter, Arian Saenz, Stephanie Fernandez, Priscilla, Lucia and Leisha Martinez, Rosie Molenaar, Gregory Derrickson, Matt Sellner, Jadon Haala, Austin Forster, Mason Sellner, Brenda DeVries, Brennan Glawe, McKenna Dockter, Bethany Derrickson, Samarah Forster, Leah Miller, Kamille Capacia, Isabelle Miller, Ben Seifert, Joseph Docksey, Christina Andres, Brennan Glawe, Ellen Windschitl, Tamara Leal and Christina Koester.

Director George Hirschboeck, assistant director Laura Laechel, music director Bethany Derrickson, co-technical director Bailey Rutscher, choreographer Samarah Forster, set designer and builders Stefanie, David Havemeier; consultants Kristina Marti, Sandy Brinkman; prop chairs Jeane Havemeier and Lorraine Tauer, publicity chair Christina Koester and crew members Kelly Nachreiner, Callie Bohnen and Santiago Martinez.

(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.)