The Chapin High School Choirs are producing and performing the musical West Side Story, story by Arthur Laurents, Music by Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and Conception and Choreography by Jerome Robbins.  The Chapin High Symphonic band is also providing music.  West Side Story is a 1950s telling of the play Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare.  We follow the turbulent twenty-four hour journey of two teenagers in love, Tony and Maria, separated by their affiliated gangs; the Polish-American Jets, and the Puerto Rican Sharks, respectively.  This musical has been a timeless and beloved classic ever since its release.

It is a much more serious musical than last year’s Honk! The Story of the Ugly Duckling.  Students performing this year will have to portray raw, real emotions, more difficult and intense.  The Hilights Showcase Choir comprises the main characters, and the Chamber Choir is producing the musical (both are the honors level choirs).  Men’s Choir and Concert Choir are participating in some major roles, but mostly minor roles.  All of the choirs of Chapin High School are participating in some way, for Chorus (1st year female choir students) they have the opportunity to work behind the scenes by moving sets, concessions, tickets, etc.  So everybody has a part in the musical or can take an opportunity to be.
Creating this musical has changed the thought processes of the students; it is unlike anything we’ve ever learned. We have to think outside of our normal selves to portray our characters, be innovative with our props, and to make the musical come to life with behind the scenes sets, lights, sound, etc.  As a member of the Hilights Choir, I can definitely say the main thing I have learned is to commit to my character, Arab.  It’s basically creating a whole other world; I have to act as if it is real life.  I am able to observe someone in normal conversation and apply the nuances of their voice, body movements, and facial expressions to how I would act to make it come alive in the musical.  It is a difficult yet rewarding process.  As a member of the Chamber Choir, I have learned how to cooperate closely with people on deadlines for production jobs.  It is stressful, but it is definitely something I can apply to college and my career in the future.  If you don’t meet a deadline (in the real world) then the job simply isn’t complete, and it is on your shoulders.  The same thing applies to the musical.  That is a valuable life lesson I learned.  All of the students are putting in hard work; this is something no other high school does anywhere near Chapin so it is a wonderful experience for the students to have.  I know I certainly enjoy the process of producing and being a part of West Side Story.  The musical will be performed at the Spring Hill High School Auditorium, March 20th and 21st at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.