Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Presents West Side Story in a Fully Staged Production at Miller Auditorium

Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Presents West Side Story in a Fully Staged Production at Miller Auditorium

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra brings one of Broadway’s most iconic musicals to life with a fully staged production of West Side Story on Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Miller Auditorium.

Based on a conception by Jerome Robbins, with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story tells the timeless story of forbidden love set against the backdrop of rival New York City gangs.

This fully staged production transports audiences to the Upper West Side, where Tony and Maria’s love unfolds amid the tension between the Jets and Sharks. Bernstein’s electrifying score—featuring beloved songs like “Tonight,” “Maria,” “I Feel Pretty,” and “Somewhere”—is brought to life by the orchestra, cast, and dancers in a dynamic theatrical experience.

The production is led by Music Director Julian Kuerti, with stage direction by Chía Patiño and choreography by Erin Moore. A standout, 31-person cast features tenor Andrew Bidlack as Tony and soprano Cecilia Violetta López as Maria, alongside a full ensemble bringing this powerful story to life.

A groundbreaking work since its Broadway debut, West Side Story remains as compelling as ever—blending unforgettable music, high-energy dance, and a story of love, conflict, and hope that continues to resonate with audiences today.

TICKETS

Concert tickets are available online through the Epic Center’s Community Box Office by calling 269.250.6984 or at www.kalamazoosymphony.com/concerts/symphonic-beats/

Chía Patiño | STAGE DIRECTOR

After ten years as artistic and executive director of the Teatro Nacional Sucre in Quito, Ecuador (2009–2019), stage director and composer Chía Patiño returned to the United States, where she now serves as a stage director and professor at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Her recent directing credits include The Daughter of the Regiment (Opera Colorado), La Traviata (Florida Grand Opera), Suite Española (Houston Grand Opera), Orpheus & Eurydice (Seattle Opera), and Florencia en el Amazonas (Opera Tenerife). She is also deeply committed to new works, directing Ñomongetá in New York and Washington and developing Paradiso. Upcoming projects include the world premiere of The House on Mango Street at Glimmerglass Festival and The Turn of the Screw.

In Ecuador, she directed productions including Dido & Aeneas, Carmen, and The Magic Flute, as well as musicals such as West Side Story and Sweeney Todd. As a composer, her recent work includes music for Guadual, the first Ecuadorian circus, and a song cycle for tenor César Parreño.

Erin Moore | CHOREOGRAPHER

Erin Moore creates movement for theater and live performance. She currently serves as Associate Choreographer for the national tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and her choreography for live and televised performance includes work featured on The Tonight Show. Additional credits include Associate Choreographer for Strike Up the Band with MasterVoices at Carnegie Hall, as well as West Side Story at The MUNY. With a background as a performer, Erin values collaboration and brings a strong physical sensibility, rooted in music to her work.

JULIAN KUERTI | KSO MUSIC DIRECTOR

With a strong international reputation for his interpretations of both orchestral and operatic music, Canadian conductor Julian Kuerti combines a confident style, artistic integrity, and passion for collaboration, bringing him to the forefront of the music scene. Julian Kuerti has led major symphony orchestras, has appeared in renowned opera houses and concert halls on five continents, and enjoys close working relationships with many of the leading soloists and singers of today.

In 2018, Kuerti was named Music Director of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. The KSO is one of the flagship orchestras in Michigan, celebrating its 100th anniversary in the 2021/22 season. The KSO celebrated the end of its 100th season with the premiere of André Previn’s Concerto for Orchestra, the last major work written by this American composer. Kuerti was appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra of Peru in 2019 and has appeared several times with them.

Read more about Julian Kuerti: www.kalamazoosymphony.com/about-us/our-people/conductors/julian-kuerti/

ABOUT THE KALAMAZOO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

For over a century, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra has been sharing lifelong musical experiences and learning throughout our community. The KSO actively collaborates with other Kalamazoo area organizations to inspire, care for, educate, and connect people through the arts. As the state’s third-largest orchestra, in Michigan’s sixth-largest metropolitan area, we serve the community with a professional roster of more than 80 musicians and a dedicated staff through exceptional symphonic music, world-class guest artists, and a vibrant educational program.

The KSO receives significant support from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, and is supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. Recognitions, awards, and grants include a major Ford Foundation grant to establish an innovative Artists in Residence program and recognition from Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. The KSO also receives generous support from other local, state, and national foundations and private and corporate support.

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