By Andrew McBurnie
I’m thrilled to be playing the role of Tony in Acting Out Theatre Co.’s production of West Side Story.
In the summer of 2015, I was cast as Alonzo in AOTC’s CATS when I was only 16 years old.
When I saw it was announced that Acting Out would be putting on “West Side Story” for this summer, I knew it would be a privilege to spend my summer nights with them again.
I had grown up listening to songs like “Jet Song” and “Maria” which would play in my kitchen on Saturday mornings. My Dad actually played Riff in KVTA’s production of West Side when I was little, so I knew so much about the show before I ever stepped foot into an audition. I always said as a kid that if anyone puts on West Side Story that they would see me at auditions.
Luckily I was able to get a some theatre experience by getting involved with through organizations such as Acting Out, KVTA, BBTEP, and the ONU theatre program.
I am fortunate enough to call a majority of the cast my friends from even before auditions. Some being some of my best friends and girlfriend, some being past cast members and friends, and some friends I’ve made along the way.
It’s timeless music with a timeless message, and I couldn’t think of a better group of actors and directors to be able to tell this story with.
