Students at Interlochen Arts Camp have been rehearsing for the past six weeks for their upcoming production of "West Side Story."
Classical IPR spoke with actors Hogan Porter, who plays Riff, and Reed Butts, who plays Bernardo.
While the actors themselves are friends, Riff and Bernardo are the leaders of rival gangs. To get into the mindset of the characters they play, Hogan and Reed find aspects of Riff and Bernardo that they can relate to and even listen to music that they think their characters would like.
Both actors have previous dance experience, but "West Side Story" has introduced them to new styles of dance, including partner work with lifts.
Sometimes, entire dance numbers are taught in just one day. Both Hogan and Reed spoke about how Interlochen has sharpened their skills, teaching them how to pick up new choreography very quickly.
"West Side Story" opens at Interlochen on Thursday, August 6. You can get tickets and find out more on Interlochen’s Concerts and Events page.
Hear the full interview by clicking the "Listen" button.
