'West Side Story' opens at SCF in Bradenton

   People who know musical theater and who have seen rehearsals for the State College of Florida production of "West Side Story" say it could be something special.
   The musical itself is special, of course, with classic music by Leonard Bernstein and memorable lyrics by a young Stephen Sondheim, and an Arthur Laurents libretto about a Romeo-and-Juliet romance that crosses ethnic and gang lines. You probably know every single song in the show.
 

  The SCF production features a cast of 38, including some actors who will be familiar to local theater-goers. James Hyde (Tony) was Marius in the Manatee Players staging of "Les Miz," Chris McCoy (Riff) was Pinocchio in that same company's "Shrek," and Equity actor Preston Boyd is a local theater stalwart. Melodie Dickerson directs and there's a 15-piece orchestra conducted by Rex Willis.
   There are only three shows, starting Friday, Oct. 24. Curtain is at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. at the Neel Performing Arts Center at SCF, 5840 26th St, W. Bradenton. Tickets are $12 general admission; $6 students and SCF employees. Call 941-752-5252 or go to scf.edu/MusicEvents.