Growing up on the Gold Coast, my introduction to musical theatre was through an annual musical production held by Palm Beach Currumbin High School (PBC), which every year held a special matinee performance for local primary school students. In 2001 my love of musical theatre commenced with Jesus Christ Superstar, followed by Les Misérables in 2002. While I have gotten to enjoy professional-productions of both these in my later years, West Side Story, which I saw in 2003, has involved a wait of more than a decade and a half. Following seasons in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide in 2019; West Side Story will be headed to Brisbane for a limited season from July 2020.
Presented by Opera Australia and GWB Entertainment in association with the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), West Side Story will be performed at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre from 24 July 2020. While no end date has been confirmed, tickets are being sold for dates up to Sunday 23 August 2020. This appears to have taken over a time slot formerly held by Billy Elliot the Musical; which was due to commence in July 2020 in the same venue, and all references have been omitted from the QPAC website.
The version of West Side Story being performed is that of BB Group. Since its first world tour in 2003, more than 1,500 performances of Joey McKneely’s modern production have been performed worldwide. This tragic love story tells the tale of two young people whose happiness is destroyed by the hate of two enemy camps in New York City’s urban jungle. The ‘Jets’, sons of previous immigrants to America, battle the new arrivals from Puerto Rico, the ‘Sharks’, for domination of the streets.
Ticketing information for both the Brisbane and (also recently announced) Perth seasons are located on the official West Side Story Australia website. Tickets for the Brisbane season will be priced between $59.95 and $169.95 dependent on session choice, reserve preference and concession status. Keep in mind that different price points or reserves may be reflective of how good your view is of the stage.
What They Have to Say:
We are thrilled to be bringing this production back to Australia in 2020. The dramatic story, spectacular dancing and unforgettable songs have captivated theatregoers for decades and audiences in Brisbane are going to love it!
Ralf Kokemuller – CEO and Producer of BB Group
Musicals like West Side Story only come along once in a lifetime. This piece transformed musical theatre around the world and is as relevant today as it was when first staged. It is a privilege to be working with BB Group, Opera Australia and QPAC to bring this production to Brisbane.
Torben Brookman – Co-Owner of GWB Entertainment
West Side Story is one of the greatest pieces of musical theatre ever written, which is evidenced by sold out performances worldwide. Bringing the production back to Australia in 2020 to continue the success of the 2019 international tour was an opportunity that we just couldn’t pass up.
Lyndon Terracini – Artistic Director of Opera Australia
