West Side Story – Digital Program: Milton Theatre Mainstage Production
From the Milton Theatre
“Two households, both alike in dignity…”
These iconic words from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet set the stage for a story that has echoed across generations. From the streets of Verona to the heart of New York City, this tale of forbidden love, social tension, and tragic consequences continues to resonate deeply. West Side Story is, at its core, a reimagining of this timeless narrative—boldly reinterpreted through music, dance, and modern themes of identity, justice, and belonging. First brought to life on Broadway in 1957, and more recently remade by visionary director Steven Spielberg in 2021, West Side Story remains as poignant and powerful today as it was decades ago.
At the Milton Theatre, we thrive on telling stories that challenge us artistically, emotionally, and technically. Taking on West Side Story was no exception. Its soaring music, complex choreography, and emotionally charged themes demand a level of precision and vulnerability that few productions require. But perhaps the greatest challenge—and, simultaneously, our greatest strength—lies in the very space we call home.
Our stage is intimate. Every emotion, every movement, every note is felt more deeply when there’s no curtain to hide behind, no vast distance between the audience and the performers. In a story like West Side Story, where conflict and connection are visceral and immediate, this closeness makes for a uniquely immersive experience. It’s what makes our production not only powerful, but unforgettable.
To meet the scale of this story, we’ve expanded beyond our traditional boundaries—literally and creatively. This production of West Side Story features groundbreaking 3D digital environments created by local artist Mal Meehan, using the same advanced gaming technology behind hit series like The Mandalorian. Built in TWINMOTION and powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, these visual worlds took more than six months to design and animate. The result is a fully immersive, cinematic New York City that shifts and breathes around the actors—allowing us to transcend the limitations of our space and invite audiences into a world that feels both real and surreal.
This blend of classic storytelling and cutting-edge design is a true embodiment of our mission at the Milton Theatre: “Small Town Charm, Big City Entertainment”. We are proud to say that no other regional theatre in the country is presenting West Side Story quite like this. And we couldn’t have done it without the incredible artists who brought this production to life.
Our cast and creative team have traveled from across the country to be here — each bringing with them unique perspectives, skills, and stories. Their passion, commitment, and talent shine through every scene and every note, and we are honored to welcome them into the Milton community.
But West Side Story is more than just a technical and artistic achievement. At its heart, it is a sobering reminder of the divisions we still grapple with today—race, class, immigration, violence, and the longing to belong. The Jets and the Sharks may be fictional gangs, but the pain they express, the love they fight for, and the injustice they experience feel all too real. These themes, while written in another era, remain heartbreakingly relevant. We hope this production sparks conversation, empathy, and perhaps even a little healing.
To our audiences—THANK YOU. Thank you for supporting live theatre, for championing bold storytelling, and for trusting us to bring powerful work like West Side Story to life on our stage. Your presence in this room is part of what makes this production possible. Whether this is your first visit to the Milton Theatre or your fiftieth, we are honored to share this moment with you.
This show is a celebration of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. We invite you to lose yourself in the music, the movement, and the message of West Side Story—a show that proves, time and again, that love and understanding still have the power to break through even the deepest divides.
Enjoy the show.
— The Milton Theatre
Milton Theatre’s West Side Story Blends Broadway and Technology in Groundbreaking Summer Production
Milton Theatre’s West Side Story Blends Broadway and Technology in Groundbreaking Summer Production
SHOW SCHEDULE: July 10 – August 3 | 23 Performances | A 2025 Mainstage Production
Milton, DE — This summer, the Milton Theatre invites audiences to experience West Side Story like never before—with cinematic digital backdrops crafted using the same revolutionary technology behind Disney’s The Mandalorian and the Star Wars universe.
Running for 23 performances from July 10 to August 3, West Side Story is the crown jewel of the Milton Theatre’s 2025 Mainstage season. But beyond the iconic music, electric dancing, and timeless storytelling, this production brings a new kind of magic to the stage—thanks to local artist Mal Meehan, whose fully animated 3D environments will immerse audiences in a living, breathing New York City.
“No other theatre in the nation has these images,” says Meehan. “So patrons of the Milton Theatre really are getting a very unique, never-to-be-seen-elsewhere, high-tech experience.”
Tones and textures of the digital scenes are set to move and interact with what’s happening on stage
Meehan, originally from the UK and designed shows in London’s West End, used Twinmotion, a 3D architectural visualization platform built on Epic Games’ Unreal Engine—the same software suite used in next-gen video games and virtual production. His work renders a richly detailed, 360-degree neighborhood of West 68th Street circa 1958, complete with shifting daylight, gritty textures, and even seasonal foliage. Six months in the making, the digital set becomes a dynamic character in its own right.
“I set out to recreate the entire neighborhood being torn down to make way for Lincoln Center,” he adds. “Every building, every street, every piece of graffiti had to be photo-ready. You can drop a camera anywhere in the model and get a scene.”
Iconic settings from the 1961 film will come to life on stage at the Milton Theatre
From the rooftops to the alleys, from fire escapes to stoops, this immersive environment doesn’t just provide a backdrop—it transforms each moment into a cinematic spectacle. And for the sharp-eyed theatregoer… Easter eggs from the original 1961 film are hidden throughout the digital neighborhood—including a cheeky nod to the artist himself: ‘Meehan’s Ale House.’
“I see the animated backgrounds as another actor in the performance,” Meehan notes. “It gives the performers something more accurate and inspiring to perform to.”
West Side Story at the Milton Theatre is more than a musical. It’s a cutting-edge fusion of tradition and technology, storytelling and spectacle—a rare chance to see a Broadway classic through a truly modern lens.
About Mal Meehan
For 30+ years, Mal Meehan has pioneered the combination of visual design, broadcast video production and animation, touch-screen interactive applications through web and mobile development to create immersive experiences for retail, exhibition and museum installations. Meehan now owns and operates Milton Multimedia, in Milton Delaware.
Tickets available online at MiltonTheatre.com or call the box-office at 302.684.3038 for assistance. Direct ticket link: https://etix.com/ticket/e/
The Milton Theatre is located in downtown historic Milton on Union Street along the Broadkill River. 110 Union Street. Milton, DE 19968. Follow us online: Facebook @miltontheatreshows, Instagram @miltontheatre, Email [email protected]
BARE: A POP OPERA – Milton Theatre Mainstage Production
From the same creative team that brought you RENT, HEATHERS, and SPRING AWAKENING at the Milton Theatre, we proudly present BARE: A Pop Opera—a breathtaking contemporary rock musical that will move you with its soaring melodies, stunning choreography, and heartfelt storytelling.
Set in a Catholic boarding school, BARE follows a group of young people as they navigate love, identity, and the challenges of growing up in a world full of expectations. The show’s electrifying pop-rock score and dynamic dance sequences promise an unforgettable theatrical experience, filled with moments of joy, heartbreak, and hope.
This is a high-caliber production featuring the incredible talent, innovative staging, and passionate performances that the Milton Theatre is known for. Whether you’ve experienced our past productions or are looking for a fresh, deeply moving musical, BARE is a must-see event that will stay with you long after the final curtain.
Bare
Book & Music: Damon Intrabartolo
Book & Lyrics: Jon Hartmere
“bare” received its world premiere staging at the Hudson Mainstage Theater, Hollywood, California on October 14, 2000. Produced by God Help! Productions (Danny Feldman, Eric Anderson, Daniel A. Miles, Damon Intrabartolo & Kristin Hanggi), John Ottman & Donnie Land.
Directed by Kristin Hanggi. Original Los Angeles concert reading directed by Mischa Pfister in June, 1999.
BARE is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by
Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com
| Cast | ROLE | |
| Adam Forward | Jason | Adam is thrilled to make his Milton Theatre debut. SELECT THEATRE CREDITS: SAW: The Musical (1st National Tour) Two summers performing with the College Light Opera Company where he performed in over 17 musicals and was highlighted in All Shook Up (Chad), Singin’ In The Rain (Cosmo), Kiss Me, Kate (Bill Calhoun), Jesus Christ Superstar (Annas/Fight Captain), The Little Mermaid (Scuttle) ELSEWHERE: Spring Awakening (Melchior), The Outsiders (Johnny) Next To Normal (Henry), Grease (Sonny). VOICEOVER: Adam is known for being the voice of Gaito Kurouzu (Future Card Buddyfight), Christopher Lo (Cardfight! Vanguard), and Paul Orlando (Beyblade Burst). Adam graduated in 2024 with his BFA in Acting from Syracuse University. He spent a semester studying abroad at Shakespeare’s Globe in London, England. Enjoy the Show! @adamwforward |
| Frenki Hykollari | Ivy | Frenki is a NYC-based performer originally from Tirana, Albania, and an alumna of Arizona State University. She aims to use her art to bring audiences new perspectives and truthful representation, both on the stage and in front of the camera. Most recently, Frenki spent some time at sea while performing as a lead vocalist on the Carnival Jubilee. Theatre credits Include – Shrek The Musical (Donkey), Mamma Mia (Sophie Sheridan), Nunsense (Sister Robert Anne), Bright Star (Alice Murphy), Fly By Night (Daphne). Endless gratitude to her family, and her partner JT. frenkihykollari.com |
| Marcus A. Brooks | Peter | Marcus A. Brooks (Peter) is thrilled to be making his Milton Theatre debut! Originally hailing from Milton, Georgia, he graduated from Texas State University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Selected credits: Warner Huntington III in Legally Blonde (Oregon Cabaret Theatre), Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar, King Triton in The Little Mermaid, Adrian in Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Wagon Wheel). Much love to ‘bare’ cast album and Off-Broadway alumni Kaitlin Hopkins and Jim Price whom Marcus had the pleasure of being taught by at Texas State. Proudly represented by Pantera/Murphy. @marcusabrooks |
| Erica Walker | Nadia | Erica is a Texas-raised, New York City based creative and she is thrilled to be a part of this production of Bare!! Recent credits include Rose in Dogfight and Sheila in Hair (Sierra Repertory Theatre). Thank you to everyone who made this show happen. Special thanks to my family and friends, love you most! Rider MT alum @ericacwalker |
| Tommy Bergeron | Matt | Tommy Bergeron is a Vermont-based actor and music director, thrilled to make his Milton Theatre debut as Matt in Bare: A Pop Opera. He has performed on stages across the country, and some of his favorite credits include: Jerry Lee Lewis (Million Dollar Quartet); Jason (Ring of Fire); Warner (Legally Blonde); Moritz (Spring Awakening); J.D (Heathers); and Bobby (Urinetown). Tommy is a graduate of The Hartt School, where he earned a BFA in Musical Theatre. Learn more at tommybergeron.net or follow him on Instagram @tommybergeron_. |
| Darla Arnett | Sister Chantelle | Darla Arnett is delighted to work with The Milton Theatre this spring! She recently worked with Crane River Theater Company in To Kill A Mockingbird as Calpurnia. Ms. Arnett is an award-winning actress who has graced many stages throughout her theatrical career. You can find her creating original music, traveling, and building her professional modeling portfolio in her spare time. Ms. Arnett graduated in December 2022 and is a Musical Theatre Alum at Bowling Green State University. She is very grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank her family and friends for all the love and support they show her! |
| Jordan Kilgore | Priest | Jordan Kilgore is thrilled to be returning to the Milton stage in BARE, having most recently appeared in JERSEY BOYS (Bob Crewe), and also in THE WIZARD OF OZ (Tin Man), SPRING AWAKENING (Otto), and CABARET (Cliff). Other recent credits include: LITTLE WOMEN (Professor Bhaer), THE TEMPEST (Prospero), and DRACULA: A FEMINIST REVENGE FANTASY, REALLY (Dracula). Jordan graduated from Oklahoma City University with a BFA in Acting, and also works as a voiceover artist and audiobook narrator. Support and representation for queer youth is something very near and dear to Jordan’s heart, and he is honored to be a part of this beautiful show. Much love to the cast, crew, and Devon. |
| Erin Bobby | Claire | Erin Bobby studied musical theatre at Syracuse University until winning the title of Miss Delaware and using her full scholarship to the University of Delaware to get a degree in English Education. Erin is a frequent performer with Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth where she has been featured in many of its productions including Annie Get Your Gun (Annie Oakley), South Pacific (Nellie Forbush), The Crucible (Mary Warren), The Secret Garden (Lily), My Fair Lady (Eliza Doolittle), 9 to 5 (Judy), The Sound of Music (Maria), The Full Monty (Georgie), The Foreigner (Catherine), Avenue Q (Kate Monster/Lucy), Little Women: The Musical (Jo March), Seussical (Gertrude), Rent (Maureen), Shrek: The Musical (Fiona), The Last Five Years (Cathy), Legally Blonde: The Musical (Vivienne), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife), Mamma Mia! (Tonya), Victor/Victoria (Victoria), Other Desert Cities (Brooke), Next to Normal (Diana), and Everbody’s Talking About Jamie (Miss Hedge). She also played the roles of Diana in Next to Normal, the Adult Woman in Spring Awakening, Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, and Woman 2 in Songs for a New World, in addition to several cabarets at the Milton Theatre. Erin resides in Milton with her husband Darren and works at Sussex Academy High School in Georgetown where she is the college counselor, teaches literature, and runs the high school theatre program. |
| Jocelyn Wade | Tanya (Sister Chantelle U/S) | Jocelyn is thrilled to be making her Milton Theater debut! For the past year Jocelyn has been performing at sea as a lead vocalist on the beautiful MSC Seascape, performing 6 different shows, twice a night. She’s trained classically for several years and holds a degree in Musical Theatre from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. Some of her experience includes: Carrie the Musical (Margaret), Amateur Night at the Apollo Contestant (NY), Multiple Staged readings of new musicals, showcases, and a plethora of choral ensemble experience by way of North Carolina A&T State University Choir. She thanks God, her mother, and the rest of her family, friends, and supporters for always having her best interest at heart. She’s also super grateful to the Milton Theater team, cast and creatives as she embarks on this new journey! |
| Maria Belisario | Kyra (Ivy U/S) | Maria is thrilled to be making her Milton Theatre Debut! She was previously seen in the BroadwayCares Red Bucket Follies at the Amsterdam Theatre and as Esperança in BARBA: A BRAZILIAN BODY PERCUSSION MUSICAL at PRTT, where she made her Off-Broadway Debut. NYU Tisch Meisner forever. She dedicates all her performances to her family around the world, specifically her abuelas. Mucho amor. |
| Maya Mitterhoff | Diane (Nadia U/S) | Maya is a Philadelphia-based theatre artist who is so thrilled to be making her Milton Theatre debut in Bare! Maya is a Rutgers University grad with a B.A. in Music and a Minor in Theatre. Favorite credits include: Godspell (Lindsay), Pippin (Catherine), and 35MM: A Musical Exhibition (Voice 1). Maya would like to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support. |
| Brandon Santos | Lucas (Priest U/S) | Brandon Santos (Lucas) is incredibly excited to be making his Milton Theatre debut! He is originally from Orlando Florida and is currently based in New York City. Regional Theatre: Cinderella (Prince Christopher), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Judah), A Chorus Line (Mike), Into The Woods (Jack), You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (Linus). National Tour: A Christmas Carol (Ensemble). He would like to thank his amazing family and friends for their continued love and support and hopes you enjoy the show! IG: brandon_santosn |
| Mike Mags | Rory (Matt U/S) | Mags is delighted to be making his Milton Theatre Debut. Regional credits: Miracle on 34th Street (Wagon Wheel Theatre, Tammany/Ensemble), Into the Woods (UCPAC, Jack), Hello, Dolly! (Capital Productions, Barnaby). Other credits: Tony (West Side Story), Quasimodo (Hunchback), Willard (Footloose), Otto, u/s Ernst (Spring Awakening), Joseph (Joseph), Emmett (Legally Blonde). Mags is an alumni of the Paper Mill Playhouse Broadway Show Choir and Conservatory. Mags graduated from Montclair State University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Mags is represented by LA Talent Agency. Find out more at MikeMags.com or on instagram @mike_mags_official. |
| Thomas Higgins | Zack (Jason U/S) | Thomas Higgins is thrilled to be returning to the Milton Theatre for his second production after being seen last season in “Annie”! He is a proud graduate of Rider University with his BFA in Musical Theatre – Go Broncs! Select credits include Rock of Ages (Clear Space Theatre Company), Junie B. Jones (J.W. Engeman Theatre), Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical (Argyle Theatre), and Freaky Friday (Music Theatre Wichita). Thomas sends love to his family back home in Kansas and endless gratitude to the creative team at The Milton Theatre. Enjoy the show! @thomasfrigginhiggins @hellskitchenagency |
| Jalen Ford | Alan (Peter U/S) | Jalen Ford (Alan, u/s Peter) is an actor and theatremaker in New York City. Currently at Atlantic Acting School, Jalen is a graduate of Columbia University with a BA in Drama and Theatre Arts. He thanks Milton Theatre for their dedication to inclusive representation and the diversity of stories! Theatre credits include: Zanna Don’t (Theater Q Asbury), All the Little People (NY Theatre Festival), A Coup Against Resilience (New Perspectives Theatre Company), Gratitude (Urban Stages). Find him on Instagram @jalenf__ (That’s two underscores!) And thanks Mom for being cool that I’m gay! |
| Jahel Duran-Diaz | Onstage Male Swing (Lucas, Rory, Alan, Zack) | Jahel Duran-Diaz is honored to be making his Milton theatre debut! He is a Philadelphia based actor, and a recent graduate of Wilkes University with a B.F.A in Musical Theatre. He was last seen in A Streetcar Named Desire at Roxy Regional Theatre (Pablo/Collector/Doctor). Other regional credits include Beautiful (Drifter) at Tent Theatre, Tarzan (Ensemble) and Frankenstein (Mr. Trent) at Mountain Movers Theatre, and 8-Track: Sounds of the 70s (Tenor-Loveable Loser) at Millbrook Playhouse. Follow him on instagram at @jaheldurandiaz_ ! |
| Rachel Kern | Onstage Female Swing (Tanya, Kyra, Diane, Claire) | Rachel is Pennsylvania-based actor who earned her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Wilkes University last spring as well as a minor in Dance. She recently made her professional debut as Rita in White Christmas at the Pines Dinner Theater in Allentown, PA and is delighted to be making her Milton debut in this production of Bare! Other favorite credits include Fun Home (Alison), Carrie Pipperidge (Carousel), Hunyak (Chicago), and Madame Arcati (Blithe Spirit). She would like to thank her family and friends for the endless guidance, support, and love she has received. Follow her on Instagram! @rach.kerrrn https://rachkern02.wixsite.com/rachelkern |
