Director’s Note:

Many people put A LOT of hard work and dedication into building this musical. The cast of actors, organizers, and crew members for this show have been absolutely incredible; I could not have asked for a better group! West Side Story is particularly complex in the areas of music and dance, but fortunately we have amazing students, teachers, and volunteers who rose to the challenge. I am extremely proud of all the students and so grateful to all the volunteers! Even though everyone has put in a great deal of time, it has felt more like fun than work. Besides all the great people involved, the musical itself is also wonderful. It is the kind of show that will cause you to think, move you to tears, and make you laugh hysterically all in the same act. So, I hope you enjoy this amazing piece of theatre as much as we enjoyed putting it together! Now……It’s time to choose.

West Side StoryWest Side StoryWest Side StoryWest Side Story

Synopsis

Romeo and Juliet is updated to the tenements of mid-1950s

New York City in this musical landmark. We are introduced to

two rival street gangs: the Jets, second-generation American

teens, and the Sharks, Puerto Rican immigrants. When the war

between the Jets and Sharks reaches a fever pitch, Jets leader

Riff decides to challenge the Sharks to one last "winner take all"

rumble. He decides to meet Sharks leader Bernardo for a war

council at a gymnasium dance; to bolster his argument, Riff

wants his old pal Tony, the cofounder of the Jets, to come

along. But Tony has set his sights on vistas beyond the

neighborhood and has fallen in love with Bernardo's sister,

Maria, a love that, as in Romeo and Juliet, will eventually end

in tragedy.

DISCLAIMER Be advised that the following production contains derogatory,

cultural slurs. This type of language is in no way upheld by

Monroe High School. The expressions chosen by the playwright

do, however, accurately reflect the time in which the musical is

set and the hostility among different social groups.

Emily, We are very proud of all your We are very proud of accomplishments including this show! our Hoover girls! God bless you always. Love, Love, Mimi & Pap Uncle Aaron & Aunt Lisette Adam, We love you so much and you are OUR STAR !! Love, Mom and Dad

Emily and Rachel, Gayle, We are so excited to be here at You are amazing and I’m so West Side Story to see both of your proud of you. I love you so beautful faces! We love you both much! so much! Love, Love, Andy, Sarah, Jacob and Luke Casey Jacob, Eric, You’re so talented, smart & We’re so proud of you! simply amazing. We know you’ll Have a blast! Sharks rule! ☺ go far. Congrats on everything!! Love, Love Ya Cuz, Donia. Dad, Mom and Lindsay Jay, Rachel, What a joy you are to us! We are proud of you for using We love you! all your talents for God’s Papaw Phil, Nanna, Papaw Buddy, glory! Best stage manager Mamaw Sandy ever! Love, Dad, Mom, Emily & Zach Hi Adam! How was your day? I am Sweetie Pea!!! looking down on you and I know you I love you!! are a star!! Break a Leg. Love, Break a Leg! Grammy Love, Mom Cayli, My Audrey Hepburn girl ~ Parker, “I never think of myself as an icon. We love you and are so What is in other people’s minds is not proud of you! in my mind. I just do my thing.” Aunt JayLen, Uncle Barak, Love you! Mom Barak Jay, Bryce, and Grace

Nikki, Nikki, I am so very proud of you and your I am so excited to see my accomplishments over these last four talented Aunt Ninni in action! years. I hope you continue your future Only on this stage will you in Theatre because it shows how outshine me! I LOVE YOU! talented you are. I love you so much!!! Your biggest little fan, Mom Carson

ACT I

Scene 1- The Street

• “Jet Song”-Jet Guys

• Jets, Sharks, Anybodys, Schrank, Krupke

Scene 2 – In front of Doc’s Drugstore

• “Something’s Coming”-Tony

• Riff,Tony

Scene 3 –Dress Shop

• Anita, Maria, Bernardo,Chino

Scene 4 – High School Gym

• “Mambo”-Jets & Sharks

• “Maria”-Tony

• Jets, Sharks, Tony, Maria, Glad Hand, Krupke

Scene 5 – Maria’s Balcony

• “America”-Shark Girls

• Tony, Maria, Sharks Scene 6 – Doc’s Drugstore

• “Cool”-Jets

• Jets, Sharks, Doc, Tony, Schrank

Scene 7 – Dress Shop

• “One Hand, One Heart”-Tony & Maria

• Anita, Maria, Tony

Scene 8 – The City

• “Tonight”-Jet Guys, Shark Guys, Anita, Tony, Maria, Riff

Scene 9 – The Street

• Jet Guys, Shark Guys, Tony, Anybodys

ACT II

Scene 1 - Maria’s Apartment

• “I Feel Pretty”-Maria, Consuela, Rosalia & Francisca

• “Somewhere”-Tony & Maria

• Maria, Consuela, Rosalia, Francisca, Chino, Tony

Scene 2 – The Street

• “Gee, Officer Krupke”-Action, Arab, Baby John, Diesel, Snowboy

• Action, Arab, Baby John, Diesel, Snowboy, Krupke, Anybodys

Scene 3 – Maria’s Apartment

• A Boy Like That/I Have Love-Anita & Maria

• Anita, Maria, Tony, Schrank

Scene 4 – Doc’s Drugstore

• Action, Arab, Baby John, Diesel, Snowboy, Anybodys, Doc

Scene 5 – Doc’s Drugstore

• Doc, Tony

Scene 6 - The Street

• Company

Jay, Gayle, Good luck on your big performance. You are our shining star! Hope you knock ‘em dead! God Bless! We love you and are so proud Your annoying brother, Jordan and of you! Papy, Mamy, His goofy friend, Tim Grandpa & Grandma Hannah Robertson, Heather, Enjoy your time on the West Side! Have fun, break a leg. You make us very proud! Love, We love you. Mom & Dad Grammy Danny, Jacob, We hope you’ve had fun in your This may be your last high, first show. So proud of you for school show, but you’ll trying something new! Love you! always be a star!!! Mom & Dad Love, Linda

Jacob, Alex, We are so proud of you and we We know this is just the Wish you the best!! beginning for you. We love Love, Richelle, Jeff, Cody, you! Papy, Mamy, Alex, Cody & Kylee Grandpa and Grandma Emily, Emily and Rachel, Have fun! What a fantastic way to We are so proud of you both! wrap up your senior year! We're so God has blessed us with sweet proud of you! Break a leg, Jet Girl! talented granddaughters! Love, Love, Grandpa Herb and Dad, Mom, Rachel & Zach Grandma Audrey Parker, Jay, We love you and have so enjoyed I am so unbelievably proud your talents. From a footloose Garvin, of you! I know you are going A convincing Le Fou, a skeptical to be awesome! salesman attempting to thwart Break a leg! professor Hill, and now a singing & Love you, dancing Shark! Break a leg! Your favorite and awesome Grandpa and Grandma Kalasek big sister, Megan

Personal Ads

The cast of West Side Story, Jay, You make working around the clock Your hard work has paid off worth it. You’re all fabulous and and we couldn’t be more proud I’ve enjoyed every moment of working of your performance! with you! Break a leg! Love, Snork Norsworthy Mom & Dad Heather, Kaitlynn,

We are so proud of you. Wow! Senior year! We Keep smiling! Could not be more proud of Love, you! We love you! Mom & Dad Your awesome family. Stacey, Jay, I’m so proud of my daughter for all Your aunt Melly loves you her achievements. I’ll be there very much and I am so proud always cheering you on. I love you! of you! Mommy <3 Aunt Melanie Gayle, Alexander, You are so talented and so full of We are so proud of you for life. We always enjoy watching getting the role you wanted. you perform and we’re proud of you. You’re an awesome Baby John! We love you! We love you! Mom & Dad Mom & Dad Danny, Hannah Robertson, Go for the dream! You’ll always be my star! Love, Love, Grandma Grandma

Brailee, Jacob, Listen shark girl... We think Congratulations on your final you rock! Have a great show! high school show!! We’re very We love you! proud of you and we love you Your awesome family very much!! You always make us proud!! Love, Mom & Dad

CASTCASTCASTCAST

THE JETS:

Tony Jay Miller Riff Troy Patrick Action Saxon Hall A-Rab Danny Robertson Baby John Alex Bryan

Snowboy Jon Lawson Big Deal Adam Johnson Diesel Matt Kakari Anybodys Mandy Baker Velma Gayle Bryan Graziella Emily Hoover Clarice Hannah Robbins Minnie Taylor Patrick Pauline Danielle Guido Beatrice Cayli Baldwin

THE SHARKSTHE SHARKSTHE SHARKSTHE SHARKS::::

Maria Hannah Robertson Bernardo Chris Shorten Anita Katya Hernandez

Chino Myles Brown Pepe Christian Floyd Indio Parker Kalasek Luis Jacob Turnbow Anxious Jonathan Caudell Juano Eric Stone Rosalia Kaytlynn Nall (Maria U)

Consuelo Nikki Larkin Teresita Heather Baker Francisca Myah Pope Estella Brailee Nall (Anita U) Margarita Stacey Schanck THE ADULTS: Doc Dave Farrish Detective Schrank Taylor Young Officer Krupke Nathan Frith

Glad Hand Jennene Alexander

Taylor Young (12th

Grade)-Lt. Schrank Taylor has been in musicals since he was in 8th grade. He has been in High school musical, Footloose, Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, and now West Side story. Taylor would like to thank his Mom and his Dad for all the support also all his friends and his girlfriend for being there for him all the time. Sadly, this is his last musical

Chris Shorten (12th

Grade) - Bernardo, a Shark Christopher Shorten is a senior this year and plans to attend The Ohio State University in the fall. Chris is an avid writer who wishes to one day become a published author. Until his dream comes truehowever, he will continue to write and do all of the other activities he loves--playing the tuba, studying philosophy and psychology, acting, and deciphering life's many riddles. After all, success only comes to those who are willing to continue against the odds.

Eric Stone (10th

Grade) – Juano, Sharks Eric has been involved in musicals at church and with theMiddletown Children’s Community Theatre. He is involvehis church youth choir and worship band. He is involved Accapella Choir and Between the Lines at school, soccerStudent Council and plays Soccer for Cincinnati United Lakota Lightning. He is excited to be a part of his first Monroe High School musical. Go Colts!

Jacob Turnbow (12

th Grade)- Luis, a Shark

Jacob is very happy to be a part of West Side Story along side his friends. Thanks to his parents for supporting him, and all the stage parents who helped put this on. This is his senior year and some of you will be missed.

CREW

Director Devan Norsworthy Music Director Mark Jauss Choreographer Jennifer Hoelle-Jauss Fight Choreographer Benjamin Norsworthy Technical Director Paul Mann Set Construction Wayne Robbins Costumes Kim Nall & Angie Hoover Publicity Kaylene Etheridge Playbill Sophie Bryan Tickets Kim Robertson Concessions Mimi Johnson Stage Manager Rachel Hoover Sound Rachel Robbins Spot Krysten Flick Stage Crew Doug Flick, Eileen Butler Sara Sumner, Ellen Short, Erin Short Set Construction Crew Krysten Flick, Alyssa Rawls, Alex Hall, Jackie Cain, Jenny Stuhlreyer, Eric Wenglikowski

Hannah Robbins, Rachel Robbins, Emily Hoover

Publicity Artwork Maria Dongo Print Work: Daubenmire Printing

Special thanks to: Dave Farrish and Jennene Alexander Mitchell Finke, Diane Mueller, Donna Townsend, Mrs. Norsworthy’s 4th & 5th Period Drama Classes, Butler Tech, Mr. Burklow’s Advanced Internet Class, Steve Moon, Pam Miller, Karen Cook, Jay Junker (“Time to Choose” t-shirts), Cinda Pelfrey (You can have your space back!), Hannah Robbins & Saxon Hall (For untangling fence), Travis Rice & Alex Bake (For “R” and “E”)

Hannah Robbins (12th

Grade) - Clarice, Jet Girl Hannah’s been in Show Choir since her sophomore year and A Cappella Choir since her junior year. She’s an original member of Between the Lines. She’s been casted in Footloose, Beauty and the Beast, The Music Man, West Side Story and various church productions. She plans to major in Praise and Worship in college and minor in Theater. First, she wants to thank God who is first in her life and without him she wouldn't be alive. Second, she wants to thank her parents for everything that they've done for her. Last, but not least, she wants to thank you all for coming!

Stacey Lynn Schenck (10

th Grade) –

Stacey is currently in Show Choir. The past musicals she’s been in are Dig It, Compose Yourself, Go West and High School Musical. Her family and friends give Stacey her inspiration to sing and perform. She would be nothing without them.

Hannah Robertson (12th

Grade) - Maria Hannah is a senior at Monroe and plans to attend Anderson University in the fall majoring in music education. Prior to “West Side Story,” she has been in “High School Musical,” “Footloose,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Music Man.” She is also involved in the A Capella Choir, Show Choir, and Between the Lines singing group, Thespians, NHS, and Student Council at Monroe. Hannah would like to thank God, Mr. and Mrs. Jauss, Mr. and Mrs. Norsworthy, and all the parents involved in this production. To the cast, thank you for a great time and to her parents, thank you for all of your support. A special thanks to Jay Miller for being the best Tony a Maria could ask for!

Danny Robertson (9th

grade) - Arab, Jet Danny is a freshman at MHS. West Side Story is his first production. He plays the role of Arab, who is a member of the Jets. He’s so stoked! Danny wants to give a shout out to his sister, Hannah, who's playing the role of Maria.

Cast Bios

Troy Patrick (9th grade) – Riff, leader of the Jets Troy has done two shows at La Comedia, the "Christmas Spectacular" and "Cinderella". He has also been in another production of West Side Story through Dance Kids Studios where he currently takes ballet and musical theater classes. Troy has been in choir with Mr. Jauss for two years; he is currently in A Cappella choir, show choir, and Between the Lines.

Amanda Baker (10th

Grade) – Anybodys, a Jet Amanda is acting in her first musical at Monroe High School. Earlier this year, she took drama class with Mrs. Norsworthy and performed in the drama 1 class production of "Thriller" playing the role of Michael Jackson's girlfriend. She also had a role in the Carol Burnett show that was put on earlier in the school year. Amanda is very excited to be a part of West Side Story and would like to thank everyone who supports her!

Heather Baker (12th

Grade) – Teresita, a Shark Girl Heather has participated in many musicals over the years. She was a chorus member of Guys and Dolls, High School Musical, Footloose; she was the stage manager of the Music Man. Heather is a member of NHS, twirls the flag in the school’s marching band, attends Young Life, is a member of the yearbook staff, and a former member of the school’s Varsity Bowling Team. She is the Clerk for Monroe’s Thespian Troupe. Heather would like to thank her mom and dad for everything they done for her over the years, all of her friends (you know who you are!) for making her high school experience awesome, and Mrs. Norsworthy (Snork!) and Mr. Jauss for being the best directors ever! She plans on attending Miami University Oxford in the fall.

Cayli Baldwin (Junior) – Beatrice, a Jet Girl This is Cayli’s first musical and she is extremely excited to be a part of it! She is involved in the Monroe’s girls tennis team, the academic quiz team, future teachers club, prom committee, and she also takes piano lessons. Cayli would like to thank her amazing mother for all the great things she does and also her older brother Craig, who always encourages her to do her best.

Myles Brown (11th

Grade) – Chino, a Shark Myles has performed in High School Musical, Beauty and the

Beast, The Miracle Worker, Rumors and the Carol Burnett Show.

Myles would like to thank Marlon Brando, his Mommy and Daddy

and his sister Nia Ain Gayle.

Taylor Patrick (8th

Grade) – Minnie, a Jet Girl Taylor is a jet girl in West Side Story. She has done many other shows with Middletown Performing Arts Academy such as Peter Pan, Jungle Book, Wizard of Oz and Nutcracker. Taylor has also done a show at La Comedia called Cindarella. She just finished West Side Story with a group in Lebanon and can’t wait for this one.

Kaitlynn Nall (12th

Grade) – Rosalia, a Shark girl This is Kaitlynn's fifth musical. She has performed in High School Musical, Footloose, Beauty and the Beast, and Music Man. She is also in Show Choir, Acapella Choir, and Pop Acapella-Between the Lines. She would like to thank her parents for teaching her to work hard and have good standards. It has shaped her into the person she is today.

Myah Pope (11th grade) – Francesca, a Shark This is Myah’s first musical and she is really honored to participate in it. She has danced for many years and she is currently teaching a dance ministry at her church. Myah wants to thank her family for inspiring and supporting her in her goals, and she’s really excited ☺

Jon Lawson (12th

Grade) – Snowboy, a Jet Jon is a senior who goes to Options Academy – The Arts (Butler Tech) through Monroe. There, he is currently a Dance Major. Some shows that Jon’s been in with Monroe include High School Musical, Footloose & Beauty and the Beast.

Brailee Nall (9th Grade) - Estella/Understudy for Anita

This is Brailee’s first musical and she has enjoyed it thoroughly. She plays trumpet in the band and has played for 5 years. She completed her first year in the marching band this fall. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her family.

Nikki Larkin (12th Grade) – Consuela, a Shark girl Nikki has been an active thespian for 4 years now. She is the Vice- President of her thespian troupe and has been a Dance Captain in Monroe's Show choir for 5 years.She has been in performances since she was in elementary school such as Annie, Footloose, Beauty and the Beast, Rumors, the Music Man, The Carol Burnett Show, and more.She is attending Wright State once this year is over."if it wasn't for this outstsanding cast, Mrs.Norsworthy, and Mr.and Mrs.Jauss this performance wouldn't be possible. Thanks for making my senior year amazing!" She would like to thank her mom for putting up with her for all these years. "Words can't describe how much I appreciate everything you do mom, I LOVE YOU".

Christian Floyd (10th

Grade)- Pepe, a Shark Christian Floyd is 16 and a sophomore at Monroe. Christian is a part of Monroe's Acapella choir. He has been in other performances such as Beauty and the Beast, Rumors, The Music Man, and more. Christian is also involved in a band called " The Star-Crossed Lovers" Next year he will be going to Options Academy of the Arts to further his passion in Music. He is motivated by quotes from Charlie Sheen. He would also like to thank Nikki,and his parents for everything they've done for him. "Enjoy the show!"

Alex Bryan (8th

grade) – Baby John, a Jet Alex is glad to have the part of Baby John in this year’s musical. He’s participated in previous musicals such as Guys & Dolls and High School Musical. He is in Jr. High Student Council and plays the trumpet in Monroe’s Marching Band. Alex would like to thank his parents for inspiring him, and his sister, Gayle (who is Velma in the musical) for always helping him along the way.

Gayle Bryan (10th

Grade) - Velma, a Jet Girl Gayle is a member of the Monroe Thespians, Show Choir and Between the Lines. This is her 6

th musical at

Monroe. She has also been in four plays. Gayle is also a member of the drill team. She would like to thank her wonderful mother for always supporting her, and her dad, for loving her and shout out to Baby John for being awesome. Casey, you’re amazing! Oh yeah and Gayle has a friend, her name is Danielle.

Jonathan Caudell: (10th Grade) - Anxious, a Shark This is Jonathan’s second musical and he is very excited to be a part of it and to work alongside his close friends. He is happy to be a Shark because he loves Spanish and Hispanic culture. He was also a part of the fall play, Carol Burnett Show. He appreciates his friends and their encouragement toward him in music and theater. He is also a part of Thespians, Student Council, Future Teachers Club, Academic Quiz Team, and Choir.

Jay Miller (12th

Grade) – Tony Jay is honored to play the role of Tony in this iconic Broadway Musical. He’s been in past school plays and musicals such as Footloose, Beauty and the Beast, the Music Man, the Carol Burnett Show, the Wizard of Oz, Guys and Dolls, and Fiddler on the Roof. In his spare time he likes to hang with his friends, write, and film short films, watch old movies, and listen to good ol’ tunes. Jay would like to thank his parents for their love and support of everything heI does, Brett Greenwood, Mr. and Mrs. Norsworthy and Mr. and Mrs. Jauss for putting on such a darn good show and finally, the stellar cast, for helping him have one of the best times he’s ever had in High School. He’ll miss you guys. ☺

Saxon Hall (11th

grade) – Action, a Jet Saxon has been in more plays than the number of times Oprah decided to lose weight. If you looked up the word “extraordinary” in the dictionary, you’d probably see a picture of Denzel Washington. But he’d be holding a picture of Saxon. He rocked your world as Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, made you cry during The Music Man, and will make you want him in your children’s history books when you see his performance this year. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! P.S. Garbage Day!

Adam Johnson (10th

Grade) – Big Deal, a Jet Adam has been in every musical at Monroe since 2004 and music is his life in general. Adam would like to thank his parents and friends.

Emily Hoover: (12th Grade)-Graziella, a Jet Girl Emily is thrilled to be on stage in Monroe's production of West Side Story as Graziella! She played Ethel Toffelmeier in The Music Man. She enjoys helping to lead worship in her church’s Youth Praise & Worship Band and choir, and is a member of Monroe’s A Cappella choir as well as the pop a cappella group, "Between the Lines". She has performed in several children’s theatre productions in her church as well as in the local community. She is a member of Monroe’s Thespian Troupe, Yearbook Staff, National Honor Society and her church youth group. Special thanks to God, family and friends for their love and support!

Danielle Guido (10th Grade) - Pauline, a Jet girl Her name is Danielle. Her middle name is Alana. Her last name is Guido. She loves performing and making people laugh. This musical has been a great experience. The dances are awesome and....yeah. She is currently in Algebra 2. She was the understudy for a pepper shaker for Beauty and the Beast. She has a liking for animals. She is a black belt in Taekwondo. She is not the understudy for Maria. She also has a friend. Her name is Gayle.

Matt Kakaris (12th Grade) – Diesel, a Jet Matt has played music since birth. Currently, he plays everything from drums to guitar. He was in Monroe High School's "The Carol Burnett Show." After High School he will attend the Art Institute of Ohio - Cincinnati for Digital Filmmaking.

Parker Kalasek (12th

Grade) – Indio, a Shark This is Parker’s fifth musical at Monroe. He is in the Monroe show choir and A Capella choir. He enjoys spending time at his church and participating in the youth group. He couldn’t have done this show without the support of his family, his church, his fellow cast mates, his very awesome friends, Prof. Seth M. Oak, and God. Parker is dedicating his last show at Monroe to all of these awesome people that he’s grown to love through all of these years.

Katya Hernandez (11th

Grade) – Anita, a Shark girl Katya is 17 and has been in musicals since 3

rd grade and

church plays since 2nd

. Being on stage is a great feeling for her and she loves showing the audience something they don’t usually see. Katya is so glad to play the role of Anita this year. As always, she had a great time doing the musical. She would like to thank her family, Mr. Jauss and Mrs. Norsworthy.

Nathan Frith (10th Grade) – Officer Krupke Nathan is a sophomore here at Monroe High School.

He is very excited because this is his first time in a

show. Nathan doesn’t really do a lot, so he thought it

was nice to take a break from terrorizing his peers and

participate in something artsy. Lol.