At the Liberty: Westside Story

DAYTON—This new rendition of West Side Story, directed by Steven Spielberg, tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries, gang warfare, and young love in 1950s New York City. For anyone unfamiliar with West Side Story, it is a famous musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

One critic wrote, “For musical theatre lovers, this is the must-see film of the year. It is a masterpiece of design and features some fantastic performances of a well-loved classic”. Rotten Tomatoes “tomatometer” has a 92% favorable review from the critics, and 94% from the audience.

This reimagining of the beloved musical stars: Ansel Elgort (Tony); Rachel Zegler (María); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); Ana Isabelle (Rosalía); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); and Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works). Moreno – one of only three artists to be honored with Academy, Emmy, Grammy, Tony and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers. This production is from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Tony Kushner,

This movie is rated PG-13 for some strong violence, strong language, thematic content, suggestive material, and brief smoking. Runtime is 2 hrs. 36 mins. This movie is showing at the Liberty Theater Jan. 21-23, and 25, with show times of 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, 3 pm on Sunday, and 6:30 pm on Tuesday.

Use of masks is required of guests, and seating is distanced between groups.

Coming at the end of January will be live stage performances of Nana Does Vegas, directed by Bev Startin. This comedy production is when Nana has taken a gamble and moved to Las Vegas, where she and her sidekick Vera are working as seamstresses for a show. What could possibly go wrong-- besides everything? If you liked Nana’s Naughty Knickers performed at the Liberty Theater a few years ago, you’ll love Nana Does Vegas.

Live performances are scheduled for: Friday, Jan. 28, at 7 pm; then Saturday Jan. 29, for a matinee at 3 pm and an evening performance at 7 pm, and on Sunday Jan. 30 at 3 pm. All shows will have COVID distanced seating between groups and we require mask-wearing by guests at all times, even if you are fully vaccinated. We will increase ventilation and operate air purifiers during all of these shows. Tickets are available at the Liberty Theater website, or at the box office on Tues and Friday afternoons.