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
