“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.
Students in Preschool through 5th grade are invited to enter for a chance to win2freetickets&berecognizedonstage during intermission of the opening night performance on May 16, 2025 at 7:00pm.
There will be 1 winner for each of the following 4 age categories:
Preschool
Kindergarten & 1st Grade
2nd & 3rd Grade
4th & 5th Grade
ALL submissions will be displayed in the CTA lobby for the run of the show. Inviteyourfriendsandfamilytoseeyourartworkandenjoyanamazingshow!
Only 1 submission per artist.
Coloring pages can be found by scanning the QR code above orvisiting our website www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.org
Limited copies of the coloring pages will also be available at the following public libraries: Broadneck, Busch Annapolis, Discoveries: The Library at the Mall, Eastport-Annapolis Neck, Edgewater, & Severna Park.
Be sure you include: Your Name, Grade, School, and a Parent Email on the back of your picture. We will use email to notify the winners and your school.
Submit your artwork by placing it in the drop box at the libraries listed above, dropping it off at CTA, mailing it to: Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis, MD 21409, or scanning and emailing it to amyschropp@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
The last day to submit your artwork is Sunday, April 27th by 5:00pm. PLEASE NOTE: not all library branches are open on Sundays. Please check the hours for your local library.
Winners will be notified during the week of May 5th. Cast members and their family members are not eligible to win the prize. Family members of CTA Staff or CTA Board members are also not eligible to win.
When auditioning for Tuck Everlasting, you will be asked to perform one or more of the following monologues. You do not have to memorize these! The director may ask you to read more than one so please be familiar with all of them.
Winnie Foster: Maybe it’s today, when something exciting happens…or something, just anything… Please not another day when nothing happens. Can I go outside and play before breakfast? Can we have breakfast outside this morning? Remember when Dad made waffles and we ate them outside and you said it was just like as picnic? Can we have an adventure? Please? Please?
Jesse Tuck: Look around you, the flowers, and the trees, and the frogs, they’re all part of the wheel. They’re always changing, always growing, like you Winnie. Your life is never the same, you were once a child, now you’re about to become a woman. Then one day you’ll go out, like the flame of a candle. You’ll make way for new life. That’s a certainty. That’s the natural way of things.
Miles Tuck: Ma, shut the music box, you never know who could hear it. Here Ma, happy ten Birthdays…It’s good to be home but I never felt like I truly belonged here. Perhaps people like me will never have a home. A house yes, but can anyone feel truly at home when so separated from the people around them? – so alienated from something so basic as time?
Mae Tuck: Angus what anniversary are we up to? What’s a marriage after a century passes? Winnie said she wanted to drink the water…that frightened me. Winnie’s going home, the boys are leaving…we’ve talked more in one day than we have talked in years…are you with me or are you just snoring near me? We have to go…I know it’s for the best.
Angus Tuck: Do you like fishing? I didn’t have to teach Jesse; I think he was born already knowing how…both my boys could swim before they could walk. I think you’ve got a fish on your line, pull it up…Well done Winnie, Trout for breakfast! Ok…Ok…I’ll put him back…there you can see him swimming away…you know Winnie, the time before we drank when we could hurt, when we could die, those are the only moments that matter.
The Man in the Yellow Suit: Well, now. Aren’t you wise beyond your – eleven years, is it? I’m a carnival man, young lady! It’s my business to know un-knowable things…We have something in common…I’d do anything to live forever, and I mean anything. Would you? Now, I don’t suppose you’ve noticed anyone strange around here recently… Been up and down the state, looking for a highly unusual family. Used to live here in Treegap, some time ago.
Hugo: Look at him go…he’s got legs like a cricket. We can’t let him get too far ahead. But then again, a fellow dressed in yellow isn’t going to be too hard to track. But not a nice yellow like chicks and daffodils or butter, or corn or ducks, or lemon wedges. I got a feeling this is all gonna come apart like wet bread.
Betsy Foster: No, I’d like to hear your essay before you go out and play. Go on dear… good girl! Afterwards we can have breakfast in the parlour. How would you like that? I know it’s not as fun as eating outside but the world is a dangerous place and we have to stay safe and keep busy. Good girl, now you can fill in a map with all the state capitals and when your done you can go outside but you must stay within the gate!
Nana: Elves…the Elves interrupted first …Did you hear them, Winnie? The Elves did you hear them? I first heard them when I was a little girl playing in the wood. You know Elves are green and shiny like leaves. Stories are everything…one small story and the earth opens up wide. (beat) Ohhh… thy are going the Elves are going…
Constable Joe: Slow down Hugo, I’m hotter than a griddle in a pancake supper. Now this being your first case, I suggest you keep your eyes open and your mouth closed. Betsy Foster, I came as soon as I got your message. Maybe Winnie ran away, maybe she went to the fair… I’m gonna take a good look around. Don’t worry Betsy, we’ll find her.
Thank you to everyone who auditioned for CTA’s production of “Once Upon A Mattress.” The show runs from May 5-21, and tickets are on sale now.
CAST LIST
Matthew Earl – Jester
Ashley Earp – Ensemble
Emily Egna – Lady Merrill, Ensemble
Natalie Egna – Knight #2, Ensemble
Helena Gray – Princess #12, Ensemble
Rosalie Hess – Queen Aggravain
Finn Hintermister – Prince Dauntless
Morgan Kay – Lady in Waiting #4, Ensemble
Will Lucas – Sir Luce, Ensemble
Cai Malone – Narrator (Minstrel)
Ryan McCandless – Sir Harry
Mason McCorkle – Knight #3, Ensemble
Ronnie McIntyre – Lady Lucille, Ensemble
Jo Politte – Lady Rowena, Ensemble
Anna Porter – Lady Larken
Madeleine Prost – Emily (Chambermaid), Ensemble
JJ Reida – King Sextimus
Mia Rinehart – Princess Winnefred
Cristal Santiago Velez – Lady in Waiting #5, Ensemble
Caden Schnabel – Sir Studley
Ali Schropp – Knight #1, Ensemble
MJ Schropp – Wizard
Madi Ward – Ensemble
Kasia Williams – Ensemble
Kathryn Williams – Ensemble
Harper Wright – Nightingale, Ensemble
Teagan Yokanovich – Ensemble
Bilbo, portrayed by Danny Kandra, enters Gollum’s spooky habitat in the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis’ production of “The Hobbit.” Photo Credit: Wendy Hickok Photography.
Heading into the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) play “The Hobbit,” I wondered how young children could possibly portray and deliver the complexities of the characters of J.R.R. Tolkien’s prelude to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. My doubt was soon reconciled with the opening scene of the latest CTA production.
The plot centers on a group of desperate dwarves who need a less than valiant Bilbo Baggins to help them overcome numerous foes in order to reclaim a treasure of gold and silver guarded by a fire-breathing dragon.
Mackenzie Currie as Truly Scrumptious and Andrew Wilson as Caractacus Potts in CTA’s “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Photo by Steve Buchanan Photography.
Though it is not a recent Disney hit or from a well-known children’s classic, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” playing now at the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA), has taken many audience members on a magical ride of creativity, imagination, and talent.
Pilot-Earle Smith and Anya Langbeyer, playing siblings Jeremy and Jemimah Potts, led the catchy opening number supported with a smiling ensemble full of colorful costumes and lots of energy (costumes by Natasha Hitchcock and Leslie Rollins). The Smith-Langbeyer team spoke as they would in rural England in the early 20th century, but with great diction and enthusiasm, the children in the audience hung on every word. The pair’s rapport was so strong many were viewing their programs to see if the two really were related.
“For decades, the beloved story of Peter Pan has offered audiences a magical place to travel with pirates, fairies, Indians, flying and lost boys. This fall, the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis doesn’t disappoint in offering its audiences a truly enchanting show full of colorful characters, charming songs, and creative choreography, taking audiences of all ages directly to Neverland.
As the show opens in the nursery of the Darling family, we are introduced to Mrs. Darling, played with a surprising maturity by 16-year-old Peyten Blake. Her matronly care of her stage children and sophisticated vocals silenced the younger audience members and had them transported into the show’s story almost immediately.”
