It is the gangland reimagining of Romeo and Juliet that changed the face of musical theatre, and now the Jets and Sharks are dancing their way back to our turf.
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Smash-hit musical West Side Story is set to return to the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage next year.
Presented by Opera Australia, in partnership with Haruhisa Handa's International Foundation for Arts and Culture and Destination NSW, the larger-than-life production first opened in 2019 and remains the most popular of the concert series.
Directed by Francesca Zambello, the spectacular production has sold more than 65,000 tickets and attracted record audience numbers.
Set in New York, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's musical masterpiece tells the story of Tony and Maria - whose love story ends in tragedy due to their connections to warring gangs the Jets and Sharks.
The show is known for its spectacular dance set pieces and a score that contains some of the most beloved numbers in musical theatre, including Maria, Somewhere, I Feel Pretty and America.
Taking place at Mrs Macquarie's Point, the production will feature a monumental stage design, vibrant costumes, spectacular views of the Sydney skyline, and a nightly fireworks display.
Opera Australia chief executive Fiona Allan is excited about the production's return and said Handa Opera is made possible through the support of its valuable partners.
"West Side Story is a theatrical phenomenon, as is Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour," Ms Allan said.
"This combination has proved winning before and we highly anticipate that it will again."
The season will take place from March 22-April 21. Join the waitlist by clicking here.
