Over the past six weeks, students at Interlochen Arts Camp have been rehearsing for a production of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's musical "West Side Story."
For director and Interlochen Arts Academy alumnus Chris Campbell, the show is a homecoming. Campbell also participated in a production of "West Side Story" when he was a student.
"This is where I fell in love with the craft," Campbell said. "It's a gift to give that back."
In addition to the campers, many Interlochen faculty and staff are participating in the show as musicians in the pit orchestra.
"I've been here for 12 years—this will be the largest pit orchestra that we've used for a summer show," Ryan said.
Ryan also teased that while the show will include all of the iconic elements of "West Side Story," audiences might be surprised: "There's one beautiful artistic sweep in Act 2 that I think is wholly unique to this production."
Tickets are available for "West Side Story" on Interlochen's Concerts and Events page.
There will be four shows total. The show opens on August 6.
You can learn more about the directorial process for "West Side Story" by clicking the "Listen" button above.
