(Editor’s note: This series of articles highlighting the main characters and other aspects of the musical will appear in future editions of The Daily Herald.) The students of Tyrone Area High School are working hard for their upcoming musical production, “West Side Story”, which is scheduled for April 25-26 beginning at 7:30 p.m. both evenings in the high school auditorium. Set on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the musical explores the rivalry between two teenage gangs of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The young protagonist, Tony, who belongs to the white gang, falls in love with Maria, the sister of the leader of the rival Puerto Rican gang. Eleventh grader, Derik Cruz, plays the character of Bernardo. Derik’s school activities include POPS and Concert Choir. His future plans include going to school for a business degree and maybe something involved in music as well. Derik said about his participation in the musical, “I’m having a good time with my friends and know I’m going to be a part of a great show.” Derik would like to thank Mrs. Young for the opportunity of performing in the musical, and he would also like to thank his friend, Garrett, for encouraging and believing in him. The cast of “West Side Story” also includes: The Jets: Riff, Tyler Ayres; Tony, Jonathan Harris; Action, Garrett Ray; A-Rab, Ethan Nulton; Baby John, Rob Marlett; SnowBoy, Chris Sipe; Big Deal, Jared Shaffer; Diesel, Nick Wilson; Gee-Tar, RJ Beck; Mouthpiece, Josh Bradley; Moose, Brock Anders; Graziella, Emily Wilson; Velma, Casey Joniello; Minnie, Holli Keeley; Clarice, Eugenia Napadensky; Pauline, Alexis Henderson; Mary Ann, Christina Brisbin; Veronica, Veronica Detwiler, Betty, Wynter Nail and Anybody’s, Elizabeth Romano. The Sharks: Bernardo, Derik Cruz; Maria, Sofia Revolorio; Anita, Stevie Woodring; Chino, Tyler Vasbinder; Indio, Logan Harper; Luis, Dan Isenberg; Juan, Sam Yeaton; Toro, Kevin Seiner; Manuel, Kenny Nearhoof; Loco, Dudley McNitt; Pablo, Jay Oliver; Rosalia, Cristina Rodriguez; Consuello, Laura Thompson; Terrista, Christi Stringer; Francisca, Salena Bradigan; Estella, Katie Spangler; Margarita, Rebecca Meyer; Adriana, Ashton Snyder and Louisa, Hanna Biddle. The Adults: Officer Krupke, Officer Bub Dick; Lieutenant Shrank, David Rutter; Glad Hand, Ken Nearhoof and Doc, Cummins McNitt. Drama/stage manager is Stephanie Haid, drama director is Karen Volpe, music director is Catherine Young, choreographer is Tara Penick and set design is Eric Feather and Don Deitz. Tickets are now available at the main office or by calling 684-4240 ext. 3700.
