Thank you for supporting Lexington Youth Summer Theatre.
I want to personally thank you for attending Lexington Youth Summer Theatre's 34th Season! Building from last year’s challenging production of Into the Woods, we have continued to raise the bar in every respect for West Side Story. It is my hope that you will discover a world of wondrous sets, dazzling lights, marvelous costumes, electric orchestration, captivating voices, explosive choreography, and overwhelming drama in today's production.
You will follow the delicate entanglement of free will and fate; know the power of love and its sinister complement, hate; and confront prejudices that occupy and resemble those in the arena of regular everyday debate. Apparently, you are in for some rhyming as well. Man’s territorial instincts, government efficiency at resolving conflicts, and the promises and realities of our country—indeed, what it is to be an American—will be questioned.
Considering everything from the questions that linger in our personal consciences and dialogues to those in the Middle East and the international sociopolitical scene, West Side is surely a story on which we might all reflect and from which we could learn a great deal. This spectacular musical is one that audiences around the world have fallen in love with for almost fifty years. It is my sincere hope that we are able to continue that tradition to each and every one of you tonight.
I want to thank my amazing team that I was fortunate to work with this summer. They have been nothing but supporters of my crazy ideas and visions. All of the parents, the staff, the LYST board - I hope you know how much I appreciate everything that every single one of you has contributed. In addition, my orchestra: Thank you all for volunteering your time to be here and make this show come alive. Both I and the cast greatly appreciates your time and energy.
And finally, to you, our audience: Thank you for making us a 34-year success story and for joining us today! Sit back, relax, and rest assured: Your experience with West Side, like all the members of its cast and crew, will be no less than phenomenal.
Enjoy the show!
Mark R. Mercer
Artisitc Director, Music Director, Orchestra Conductor
