Interview: THE STRUGGLE IS REAL Opens West Side Theatre Company's 2018-19 Season

On the heels of its sold-out production of the Broadway-bound PRIDE & PREJUDICE - THE MUSICAL, West Side Theatre Company announces its exciting second season, kicking off with an impressive and moving original concert, THE STRUGGLE IS REAL, on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28. Season and concert tickets are now on sale at www.westsidetheatreco.org.

The remainder of the 2018-19 season will include J.M. Barrie's classic play, PETER PAN; the Tony-winning comedy THE 39 STEPS; the new musical with songs by Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern, RILLA OF GREEN GABLES; and the Gilbert and Sullivan favorite, PIRATES OF PENZANCE.

"We've got an amazing lineup," said Hannah Farr, a founding member of the theatre's board of directors. "Here is to wonderful, whimsical, hilarious, and poignant storytelling to come!"

Everyone faces struggles in every stage and facet of their lives. Even seemingly insignificant problems can feel daunting, and sometimes relationships and even life itself hang in the balance. How do we face our challenges and move forward better because of them? THE STRUGGLE IS REAL is an original Broadway benefit concert for West Side Theatre Company that explores these issues in a fresh, emotional way. It does so via a variety of songs from musicals you love, such as DEAR EVAN HANSEN and LES MISERABLES, and lesser-known gems you will adore, presented powerfully by talented performers.

"Many people dream of going to the theatre in the big cities, and rightfully so," said cast member Heather Christensen. "But, I believe there are hidden performers in our own backyard who often match the raw skill, passion, and refined creativity of such sages without all the lights and fanfare."

Rather than a typical Broadway concert, THE STRUGGLE IS REAL is a thoughtfully crafted song cycle with a thematic arc that will be a unique, poignant experience for the audience. "Coming to this show will not only entertain, but will validate, motivate and change you as well," Christensen said.

The concert performances will be on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. They will take place at Garden Near the Green, located at the intersection between Cedar Fort Road (UT-73) and Ranches Parkway (just 15 minutes from the I-15 American Fork Main St. exit, and only a few minutes from the Crossroads in Saratoga Springs). Tickets are available online or at the door for $12 ($10 for seniors 55 and up, students, and children 12 and under). Season tickets are also available for just $45 for all five shows, or $35 for seniors, students and children. For more information, please visit www.westsidetheatreco.org.

Following THE STRUGGLE IS REAL, West Side Theatre Company will present PETER PAN from Aug. 3-6. Bring your entire family to visit Neverland, where children never grow up and adults learn all over again how to believe. Discover a magical world filled with imagination, as the beloved story is told in exciting, unexpected ways!

Next up is THE 39 STEPS, from Nov. 2-5. Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and over 150 zany characters (played by a cast of four), and you have a riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft.

See RILLA OF GREEN GABLES, with music by renowned composers Berlin and Kern, from Mar. 22-25, 2019. As her sweetheart and brother leave to fight in World War I, Anne of Green Gable's daughter, Rilla, embarks on her own emotional journey at home, changing her life forever.

Last but not least is PIRATES OF PENZANCE, from June 28-July 1, 2019. Filled to the brim with absurd hilarity--and a dash of sweeping romance, the mile-a-minute wit and splendid score make this a musical comedy that you won't want to miss.

The recently formed West Side Theatre Company has received rave reviews from audience members. Following is a sampling of their comments:

"So great! I would come again. Really, really great talent out here! Thanks for putting the production on!"..."It was entertaining, emotional, and wonderful!"..."Best $10 I have spent in a long time. Such talent. I loved it."..."What powerful voices!"..."It was fantastic! We didn't realize there was so much musical talent out here. Looking forward to future productions!"..."Great choices. Loved the character development. After seeing this I'm even more eager to work with West Side Theatre Company."

West Side Theatre Company (www.westsidetheatreco.org) has recently been formed to bring more theatre to the west side of Utah Lake, including Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs. The mission of West Side Theatre Company is to expand minds and foster culture through diversity; cultivate creativity, innovation and mastery of the performing arts through artistry; and create a high quality, affordable theatrical experience that inspires, uplifts and effects change in the community. West Side Theatre Company has been registered as a non-profit organization in the state of Utah.