By Jasmine Prince If you told me a year ago that I was going to perform in West Side Story on a stage in front of REAL people I would have never believed you! But now looking back, this crazy life journey was 10 years in the making. My love of theatre and performing first…
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By Veronica Kravat We are in full swing dance mode! Our first mixed rehearsal working with Jets and Sharks together is in the books! Dance at the Gym is definitely going to be one of the highlights of the show. The talent in this cast is unbelievable and it shows in this number. You’ve never…
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In 1961 the movie version of West Side Story was released. Seven months later it was nominated for 11 Academy Awards. Ten Golden Oscars were awarded. The most by a musical and thus setting a record. And the Oscar goes to… 1.) Best Picture 2.) Best Director (Duel) Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins (Jerome Robbins Directed…
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By Gary Paruszkiewicz “Belles on their Toes” . . . “Inherit the wind” . . . “You can’t take it with you” . . . “1984” . . . “The Devils” . . . Great stage plays for high school productions in the 1960’s. I swore I had found my calling, and it was on…
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By AE Sarver Two years ago, I started a graduate assistant ship at Olivet Nazarene University for the theatre department. In this role, I worked closely with Professor Cohagan, taught classes, and directed shows, honing my skills as a director and challenging my ability to fully embrace a work of art. It was at the…
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By Hannah Swale ~ Kankakee County Museum While buildings were demolished on one end of the 100 block of East Court Street to make way for another parking lot, the west end of the block came to be known as “The Court Street Bookends,” where more exciting things were planned. Norman and Janice Strasma acquired the…
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Please join us Friday April 20 at 6:00 pm at the Kankakee Public Library for the screening of the 1961 film, West Side Story. This is a FREE event! UNITED ARTISTS | RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 13, 1961 Summary: Two youngsters from rival New York City gangs fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy. Director: Jerome Robbins and Robert…
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This past Friday evening was our 1st official cast meeting, the West Side Story read-thru. It is always fun to see everyone together and imagine how the show will unfold. Our staging director, Jerry Cohagan shared with the cast a “Touchstone” if you will: “West Side Story is as old as Shakespeare. It is a…
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“Cool” is a well-known song that is sung by Riff before the Rumble meeting. The Jets are itching to fight with the Sharks, but Riff tells them to wait for the rumble. In the movie, the song is placed after the rumble where Riff dies. The Jets are saddened by Riff’s death and want revenge. Here…
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Some of the West Side Story Original Broadway Cast interviewed 60 years later. Taken from Google Arts and Culture Martin Charnin, who originally played the Jet named “Big Deal” (who wears the glasses and the brimmed hat), went on to become the director and lyricist of the musical Annie and many other Broadway shows. Charnin is directing…
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