by Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein & Stephen Sondheim
Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, 2017
Director: Matthew Gardiner; Choreographer: Amy Reynolds Reed; Scenic Design: Kimberly Powers; Costume Design: Jeffrey Meek; Lighting Design: Helena Kuukka
“Under the direction of Matthew Gardiner -- whose 2015 production at Signature Theatre in Washington, D.C., wowed sold-out audiences, including Lyric’s Producing Artistic Director Michael Baron – “West Side Story” remains a period piece but becomes as real and relevant as ever… Gardiner’s visionary version pumps new physicality and vitality into the familiar tale, reestablishing “West Side Story” as a quintessential American musical theater experience.”- NewsOk
“Matthew Gardiner directs this show with conviction and authenticity. Placing the acting front-and-center (let's face it, acting is often the forgotten component in many musical productions) Gardiner carefully crafts the scenes for maximum emotional impact, building the symphony of Laurent’s script as precisely as he does Bernstein’s score.”- Broadwayworld