WSS Programme

REDDAM HOUSE UMHLANGA PRESENTS by arrangement with DALRO (Pty) Ltd. Based on a conception of JEROME ROBBINS Book by ARTHUR LAURENTS Music by LEONARD BERNSTEIN Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM Original Production Directed and Choreographed by JEROME ROBBINS Originally Produced on Broadway by ROBERT E. GRIFFITH and HAROLD S. PRINCE by arrangement with ROGER L. STEVENS 12-15 March Muir Auditorium



Director's Note West Side Story is an iconic and timeless musical that will never lose its relevance. Even decades since its debut, the themes -romance, violence, integration, justice -still hit very close to home today. Audiences of all ages and nationalities will find plenty to relate to in a story primarily founded in the framework of Romeo & Juliet. For a 2023 audience, West Side Story offers a unique opportunity to look at the world with modern perspective. Despite the many differences between the turbulent 1950s of the original play and today, audiences will be able to learn from the characters’ experiences that many of our struggles remain unchanged. We can also look at the play with a knowledge of history, and find lessons in it that are just as valuable today as they were when the original production premiered in 1957. At its heart, West Side Story is a spectacular show. It’s equal parts heart- warming and heartbreaking, offering as much beauty as tragedy, for audiences to enjoy. The powerful music and choreographed dances will leave you gasping with wonder. It is the perfect show for a lively and thought-provoking evening of entertainment presented by our new team of professionals from Reddam House Umhlanga. This show can blur the line between entertainment and education. Whether you experience it through a classic and nostalgic piece of theatre, or a modern reinterpretation of the show, West Side Story speaks to its audience's many walks of life, and this is why I am so passionate about West Side Story. May we all learn from Anita and Maria when they sing: “When love comes so strong, There is no right or wrong, Your love is your life.” Helet Postma Director

Running Order Act 1 (80 mins) Interval (20 mins) Act 2 (40 mins)



Cast List TONY...................................................... Kyran Taylor RIFF.................................................. Aidan McArthur DIESEL....................................................... Jan Kirsten BABY JOHN....................................... Ramze Williams A-RAB.......................................... Matthew Bossenger ACTION............................................Walther De Bruin BIG DEAL.......................................... Keenan Beeslaar GEETAR........................................... Brett Fernihough SNOWBOY...................................... Connor McLennan VELMA................................................ Kwezi Kennedy GRAZIELLA........................................ Hannah Rogers ANYBODYS.............................................. Caiti Holmes BERNARDO................................... Samkelo Mdakane CHINO.............................................. Justin Peringuey INDIO.............................................. Nhlosenhle Gcaba PEPE..................................................... Ashim Lawson CONSUELA...........................................Ashley Stewart ROSALIA............................................. Jamiee Coxwell FRANSISCA.......................................... Rebecca Major MARIA............................................... Kristin Murison ANITA................................................... Grace McIlroy DOC..................................................... Sivuyile Mthuli DETECTIVE SHRANK...............Wam'kelwe Khumalo OFFICER KRUPKE......................... Divya Venkatesan GLAD HAND................................... Daniel Herrmann

Chorus Chae Dowsett Kyra Esselaar Faye Ellis Isabella Gianadda Maddalena French Lia Naidoo Amahle Jafta Sisipho Ndlovu Kiera Schoeman Sanna Rajoo Sebastian Watson Cara Smith Thomal Veale Nqubeko Xaba Tehilla Adonis Emily Briggeman Unathi Nkala Josie Houston Srah Capazorio Sarah de Groot Michael Erfort

Dance Company Talia Poupard Sarah Stern Rachel Keats Jamie Rennie Jamie Ferguson Sebastian Watson Arya Juggernath Sarah Clark Kate Hearding Ella Ferguson Leyah Govender Abby Lloyd Neha Singh Kaylee Gourlay Amara Nathoo Tessa Laaks Caitlin Thomson Jade Horn Micaela Pretorious Maxine Van der Walt Zana Karshan Chloe Coetzee Rachael Fischer Riya Moodley Olivia Coppla Yeshaya Reddy Leah El Sadi Chloe Simpson

Orchestra VIOLINS HORN Ralitza Macheva Peter Griffiths^ Elena Kerimova Keamogetswe Magau TRUMPETS Khulekani Bhengu CELLO Thabo Sikhakhane Boris Kermov DOUBLE BASS TROMBONE Andreas Kappen* Duncan Wooldridge PERCUSSION PIANO/CELESTA Stephane Pechoux* Nina Watson/Heather Dix Dylan Tabisher REED I Nolwazi Nkwanyana* REEd II Maxine Matthews REED III Kirsten Sayers* REED IV Wesley Lewis^ *Performs by kind permission of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra. ^Reddam House Umhlan ga Private Music Staff.

Backstage Amahle Mazibuko Hlako Mphati Azande Sithebe Aphiwe Mthiyane Khanyisani Khanyile Ayanda Gcaba Avile Qangule Inam Hassan Dylan Bosnjak Gift Pilane Skylar Stevens Tehya Stevens Aiden Bradshaw

The Team Director:...................................................... Helet Potsma Producer:...................................................... Chris Taylor Choreography:.......................... Lynn Totham-Crommie Musical Director/Conductor:..................... Russell Scott Vocal Coaching:..............Marc Poupard & Des Govender Front of House:.................................. Shelley Peringuey Graphic Design/Programme:................ Grace Buthelezi Set Design & Construction:......................... Chris Taylor Sound Engineer:............................................ James Dean Lighting Engineer:.................................... Chris Stranex Audio-Visual production:.................... SAS Productions



Vote of Thanks Executive Headmaster Mr Adam Rogers & his team for always treating the Arts as a valued and prioritized part of the educational offering at Reddam House Umhlanga. Mr Stuart McEwan, Mrs Chantelle Vermeulen & the estates staff for their continued support and assistance. The families of our wonderful cast members for their patience in fetching , carrying and feeding our performers over this process. Kevin Ellis, Michelle Clarke, Lizana Watson & Debbie Holmes for all of your assistance with costumes. Sharon Rogers, Debbie Holmes & Anita Adonis for the table decor and set up. Mr Phil Lewis of TMC Logistics who was instrumental in arranging transportation for our amazing set. Our absolutely amazing musicians for their patience, professionalism and helping us provide the most amazing platform for our students to excel. The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra for their understanding and continuous support of Music at Reddam House Umhlanga. The Durban Music School for the use of the considerable battery of percussion instruments required for West Side Story.





REDDAM HOUSE UMHLANGA PRESENTS