Four Columbus performing arts organizations team up to present all-new production of WEST SIDE STORY

The combined forces of four of Columbus’ leading arts organizations will bring a new production of WEST SIDE STORY to the Ohio Theatre Feb. 13-16, 2025. Experience the greatest score ever written, dynamic dance numbers that soar through the open air, and a love story for the ages.

Tickets, which start at $31.25, are on sale now and may be purchased at the CBUSArts Ticket Center at the Ohio Theatre (39 E. State St.), online at www.CBUSArts.com, and by phone at (614) 469-0939.

WEST SIDE STORY exploded onto Broadway in 1957 in a sensational storm of exuberant dance and wistful romance. It was a phenomenon that never faded, “an incandescent piece of work” (The New York Times). Embark on a journey through the gritty streets of 1950s New York City, where rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, clash in a fierce battle for dominance and survival. The score is punctuated with hits: “America,” “Tonight,” “Maria,” “I Feel Pretty,” and the enduring “Somewhere.”

This performance will be performed with Spanish and English captions. “Combining the creative talents of some of the city’s leading performing arts organizations to offer this quintessential piece of American art is something we’re all highly anticipating,” CAPA President & CEO Chad Whittington said. “CAPA is proud to be a partner in providing this unique opportunity for our audiences.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to bring WEST SIDE STORY to life. This timeless masterpiece not only showcases the incredible talent of our artists and technicians but also allows us to engage deeply with our vibrant community. We can’t wait to share this iconic story with our audience,” Julia Noulin-Mérat, General Director & CEO, Opera Columbus, said.

“BalletMet is excited to be a part of this project with some of our favorite collaborators. We can’t wait to welcome our community to such an incredible experience,” said Sue Porter, Executive Director, BalletMet.

“WEST SIDE STORY is a classic! I am very much looking forward to collaborating with our partners BalletMet, CAPA, and Opera Columbus. These types of projects make Columbus unique and exciting,” Columbus Symphony Music Director Rossen Milanov, who will conduct the performances, said.

This production of WEST SIDE STORY was licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI).

About CAPA
Owner/operator of downtown Columbus’ magnificent historic theatres (Ohio Theatre, Palace Theatre, Southern Theatre) and manager of the Riffe Center Theatre Complex, Lincoln Theatre, Drexel Theatre, Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts (New Albany, OH), and the Shubert Theatre (New Haven, CT), CAPA is a non-profit, award-winning presenter of national and international performing arts and entertainment. For more information, visit www.capa.com. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund CAPA’s 2023-24 season with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, education excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. CAPA also appreciates the generous support of the Greater Columbus Arts Council and The Columbus Foundation’s Gladys H. Goodwin Fund, Jane H. Zimmerman Arts Fund, and W.W. Williams Family Field of Interest Fund, with the assistance of the Ingram-White Castle Foundation.

About BalletMet
Renowned for its versatility and innovative repertory, BalletMet ranks among the nation’s largest ballet companies. Since its inception in 1978, BalletMet has made the commission and
performance of new works a core organizational priority, with more than 200 World Premieres and hundreds of Company Premieres performed throughout its history. BalletMet stages 60 to 70 performances each year at home and on tour. The Company has toured to 28 U.S. states and internationally to Russia, Poland, Egypt, Spain and Canada. BalletMet’s Academy has also been recognized as an institution of local and national stature. It offers hundreds of classes to roughly 1,000 students, ages 3 to 95, each year. Dancers in its Student Division Trainee Programs gain invaluable training and experience, including the opportunity to dance
on stage alongside the Company’s professional dancers. BalletMet’s dance access and education programs serve nearly 30,000 people annually. There are a variety of opportunities to experience and learn the art of dance, including free classes, complimentary tickets, and student scholarships. BalletMet offers more than 60 scholarships each year to talented youth, many from underserved groups, who could not otherwise participate in dance training. For more information, visit www.BalletMet.org.

About Columbus Symphony
Since 1951, the Columbus Symphony (CSO) has been proud to serve as central Ohio’s flagship music performance organization. The CSO’s musicians, conductors, chorus, and world-renowned guest artists enrich the central Ohio community through extraordinary talent, passion, dedication, and the highest standards of musicianship. Living and working in the community, CSO musicians are interwoven throughout the region’s cultural fabric, accompanying performances by other companies, performing in other local orchestras, and teaching and coaching young musicians. Guided by the artistic vision of Music Director Rossen Milanov, the CSO offers four programming areas – Masterworks, Pops, Picnic with
the Pops, and Education/Community Engagement – that are targeted to appeal to diverse audiences throughout central Ohio. This segmented approach, innovative within the American orchestra industry, is helping the CSO to reach new, younger, and more diverse audiences.

About Opera Columbus
Under the vision of General Director + CEO, Julia Noulin-Mérat, Opera Columbus is redefining and reimagining the concept of regional opera with world-class productions that celebrate extraordinary talent and artistic partnerships, engaging a new, diverse audience for this most magnificent of art forms. From groundbreaking collaborations to innovative and breathtaking productions, Opera Columbus is passionate about creating artistic moments for each and every patron. Opera Columbus’s slogan, “Make It Yours,” demonstrates the company’s commitment to inclusivity and invites everyone in the community to join with us. For more information, visit www.OperaColumbus.org Opera Columbus’ 2024-25 season is made possible thanks to funding from The Columbus Foundation, Greater Columbus Arts Council, Nationwide, and the Ohio Arts Council, with additional support from Cardinal Health, Crane Group, Cult Marketing, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center-Voice Center.