CTA is offering all furloughed military & federal workers two (2) complimentary tickets to attend West Side Story this weekend. Go to www.ticketleap.events/tickets/cta-md/wss to reserve your tickets. At checkout, enter the discount code CTACares to complete your reservation, free of charge. Thank you for your perseverance and service to our country. This small token of appreciation is being offered in recognition of your dedication during these difficult times.
“The air is humming,” and something great has come to the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) stage! An extraordinarily talented cast of young performers is currently staging “West Side Story,” arguably one of the most challenging shows in musical theater. The troupe triumphantly delivers on this feat, demonstrating remarkable stamina and skill. Splendidly directed by Michelle Bruno, this production is an impressive presentation of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s celebrated masterpiece.
Based on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” “West Side Story” revolves around two rival teenage street gangs in 1950s New York City. The American Jets and Puerto Rican Sharks have relentless hatred for one another, and this clash leads to raging conflict and escalating violence. At a town dance, Maria (from the Sharks) and Tony (from the Jets) meet and fall in love. Because they each come from different groups, their romance is forbidden, and this budding relationship creates much contention. Amid the continuing animosity between the Jets and the Sharks, the teens witness murder and social unrest, leading to a tragic culmination.
As Maria and Tony, Leila Bennett and Jeremiah Gilbert each gave superb performances. Their chemistry was enchanting, and their gorgeous voices blended beautifully on their duets. Gilbert’s tender rendition of “Maria” showcased his mellow, tenor voice, and he grippingly expressed every emotion from elation to heartache. Bennett’s soaring soprano was on full display in “I Feel Pretty,” and she brilliantly maintained a convincing accent when delivering her lines. She movingly illustrated the winding path of the bond between Maria and Tony, effectively conveying both apprehension and devotion.
Amaya Shannon was spectacular as Maria’s mentor and confidante, Anita. She exhibited magnificent vocal talent in “A Boy Like That” and “I Have a Love.” Her dynamic stage presence dazzled the audience, demonstrating phenomenal dance technique and radiating grace and enthusiasm. The effervescent Caylee Rogers was wonderful as Anita’s best friend, Rosalia. Rogers’ resounding voice was featured in her duet with Shannon in “America,” and her animated facial expressions were delightful. In a standout performance as, Riff, the leader of the Jets, leader, Liam Cool brilliantly personified this character with bravado, displaying smooth vocals as a featured soloist in “Jet Song” and “Cool.” Israel Gilbert, as Bernardo, the Sharks’ leader (and Maria’s older brother) presented a rich baritone, and his protective behavior toward Maria was heartwarming. “Somewhere” soloist, Madelyn Luebbers, delivered a stirring rendition of this iconic number, and her vocals perfectly conveyed the song’s moving message.
Music Director LeVar Betts led the cast through the notoriously complex score, which was exquisitely played by his 11-piece orchestra. Betts’ expert leadership was reflected in the cast’s ability to flawlessly execute these difficult pieces. Katie Sheldon’s intricate choreography (based on original work by Jerome Robbins) featured a vast range of styles, from the haunting ballet in “Somewhere” to the lively acrobatics in “Gee, Officer Krupke.” Atticus Cooper Boidy’s striking set design vividly depicted the tone of each setting, from the bleak New York City streets filled with grime to the vibrant neighborhood drugstore decked in 1950s decor.
“West Side Story” at the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis is a poignant expression of artistry and sentiment that is a must-see experience. Nearly 70 years after its debut, the core themes that this play explores still resonate today. CTA has staged an outstanding kickoff for its 2025-2026 season, and audiences are guaranteed an astoundingly entertaining presentation.
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: Recommended for audiences ages 12+. Parental guidance is suggested (mature themes, violence, language, themes of social injustice).
“West Side Story” runs through November 9, 2025 at the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis, MD 21409. Performances are Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. (there is no performance on Friday, October 31). For more information and to purchase tickets, go online or visit the box office prior to the performance.
Programs Cost $2 Each at Performances
Children’s Theatre of Annapolis will be offering programs for purchase rather than as a complimentary item at performances. All audience members will receive a one-sheet with the cast list and production credits, along with a QR code to view the full playbill online.
How Do I Buy a Program?
The cost of programs will be $2 and can be reserved ahead of time online while purchasing your tickets. Simply go to the Box Office when you arrive to pick up your pre-purchased printed program.
Why Are You Doing This?
This helps CTA to lower our environmental impact and to save expenses at a time of great financial vulnerability. Producing fewer programs lowers our footprint on the planet plus defrays some of the expenses of putting on quality theatre events while still providing value to our members, providing an important keepsake for theatre-goers, and making sure all content would be available for free online.
Thank you for joining us for this powerful production of West Side Story. As one of the most iconic and emotionally resonant musicals ever written, West Side Story challenges us to reflect on the world we live in and the communities we build. Our cast and crew – these talented young artists – have poured their hearts into this production, and we couldn’t be prouder to share their work with you.
Here at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, our mission goes beyond the stage. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and creative space where young people can grow – not just as performers, but as confident individuals ready to express themselves and connect with others through the transformative power of the arts.
We are also looking to the future. Our Growing Our Reach campaign is well underway, focused on the expansion and build-out of our Annex – a project that will truly transform what we can offer to our community. This new space will feature a state-of-the-art Black Box theatre, as well as dedicated educational classrooms and dance studios, allowing us to host more programs, reach more young artists, and deepen our impact in Anne Arundel County and beyond.
In times like these – when the arts are increasingly undervalued or underfunded – it is vital to champion spaces where creativity, empathy, and collaboration are nurtured. CTA is one of those places, and your support ensures that we remain a beacon for youth and families across Annapolis and the surrounding area.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time supporter, we invite you to join us in this exciting next chapter. Please consider donating to our Growing Our Reach campaign, spreading the word, or volunteering your time. Every bit of support makes a lasting difference.
To learn more about the Annex project and how you can help, please visit click here and click on “Growing Our Reach” tab.
Enjoy the show, and thank you for being part of our CTA family.
With gratitude,
Michelle Bruno
President, Board of Directors
Children’s Theatre of Annapolis
Winnie Foster – (Female-presenting, pre-teen or teen, vocal range: A3-E5). Winnie is an 11-year-old girl from Treegap, New Hampshire whom the story centers upon. Growing up in a strict household, she longs to discover the world beyond her own backyard and ends up going on the adventure of a lifetime when she meets Jesse and the rest of the Tuck family. Specific age is not important for the casting of Winnie, just that the actor cast must believably be able to play an 11-year-old girl full of excitement, spunk, and wonder.
Jesse Tuck – (Male-presenting, teen or young adult, vocal range: F3-C5 ) Jesse is the youngest and most optimistic of the Tuck family at 17. He quickly becomes friends with Winnie, attempting to show her how life can be filled with fun forever. Again, specific age is not important for the casting of Jesse, just the ability to play a fun-loving, cheerful 17-year-old.
Angus Tuck – (Male-presenting, 30s-50s, vocal range: E3-B4) Angus is the patriarch of the Tuck family, married to Mae. Along with the other members of the Tuck family, he teaches Winnie about the beauty of living life in all its seasons.
Mae Tuck – (Female-presenting, 30s-50s, vocal range: A3-E5) Mae is the matriarch of the Tuck family, married to Angus. She loves all her boys, and is kind to Winnie.
Miles Tuck – (Male-presenting, 20s-30s, vocal range: F3-C5) Miles is the oldest son of the Tuck family. He has traveled the world, and is much more mature than Jesse.
The Man in the Yellow Suit – (Male-presenting, 40+, vocal range: G3-B4) The Man in the Yellow Suit, who is never given any other name, is the show’s antagonist. He has traveled with the circus most of his life in hopes of finding the Fountain of Youth.
Constable Joe – (Male-presenting, 40+, vocal range: F3-B4) Joe is the town’s law enforcement, and Hugo’s mentor.
Hugo – (Male-presenting, teen or young adult, vocal range: G3-C5) Hugo is a 15-year-old self-starter who assists Joe with the very few investigations that arise in Treegap. Specific age is not important in casting Hugo, only that the actor must be able to play an eager, questionably competent, young investigator.
Winnie’s Grandmother – (Female-presenting, 50+, vocal range: A3-C#5) Winnie’s grandmother who lives with her and her mom.
Ensemble – (Any vocal range, Ages 12+) The ensemble in this show play a variety of roles, including townsfolk, travelers, spirits, carnival workers and patrons.
