William Branner

Like a bat out of hell, Bat Out of Hell is flying to New York City Center, where the Jim Steinman musical just celebrated opening night, yesterday, August 8, and will play a six-week engagement through September 8, 2019.

Like a bat out of hell, Bat Out of Hell is flying to New York City Center, where the Jim Steinman musical officially it just began its run yesterday, August 1. The musical is set to open on August 8, and will play a six-week engagement through September 8, 2019.

West Side Story is running now through June 23 at 5th Avenue Theatre.

I used to hate Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim's "West Side Story". My only exposure was the movie and I found the story flat and unconvincing. I mean, an entire song just repeating her name? Geeze, learn how to write a lyric. But then a touring production came through town and they got it. They understood what they were singing about and knew how to convey it. And then I got it too. He only needs the one word because it's all he wants to hear. And I fell in love with the show but only when it's done well. Since then I've seen many productions of varying levels of quality. Now comes the current production from the 5th Avenue Theatre and Spectrum Dance Theatre and while it has some moments and some good dance sequences thanks to choreographer Bob Richards who did his darnedest to reproduce the original Jerome Robbins choreography, it lacks the ability to convey the story and the love thanks to some lackluster lead performances and staging and intent from director Bill Berry that just didn't get it.

BroadwayWorld has a first look at The 5th Avenue Theatre's West Side Story, the sweeping musical version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet set in the turbulent streets of New York City, where a star-crossed love blossoms between rival gangs.

BroadwayWorld has a first look in rehearsals for The 5th Avenue Theatre's West Side Story, the sweeping musical version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet set in the turbulent streets of New York City, where a star-crossed love blossoms between rival gangs. 

The 5th Avenue Theatre has announced the full cast for West Side Story, the sweeping musical version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet set in the turbulent streets of New York City, where a star-crossed love blossoms between rival gangs. William Branner (National Tour: Bat Out Of Hell, Off-Broadway: Kragtar: An American Monster Musical) joins the cast to star as Tony, replacing the previously announced CJ Eldred.

Triad Stage, in partnership with UNC Greensboro, brings to life one of Broadway's most iconic musicals. The world is at war, and on an island in the South Pacific the U.S. has created a military stopover for young men on their way to the front lines of battle. But love is also in the air. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!