"West Side Story" Production This Weekend

The Clayton Youth Theater will be performing the hit musical, West Side Story, at The Clayton Center Aug. 5 & 6.  

Led by Director Nikki Dyke, Music Director Amy King and Choreographer Dawn Carlson, the cast and crew of West Side Story consists of 45 area 7th-12th graders, representing 17 schools. 

 “The theater has seen steady growth since its founding in 2007,” said Dyke. “West Side Story marks CYT’s eighth production.”

Shakespeare's “Romeo and Juliet” is transported to modern-day New York City in the musical, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence, and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.  

Schools represented in the upcoming play include Clayton High School, Corinth Holders High School, West Johnston High School, South Johnston High School, Princeton High School, Johnston County Middle College High School, Johnston County Early College Academy, Clayton Middle School, Riverwood Middle School, Cleveland Middle School, Four Oaks Middle School, Archer Lodge Middle School, Smithfield Middle School, Holly Grove Middle School, St. Thomas More Academy, St. Timothy’s School and East Wake Academy.  

Tickets can be purchased by calling The Clayton Center box office at 919-553-1737.

A record total of 73 area students tried out for parts in the play or crew.

For more information about the Clayton Youth Theater, please visit the Theater web site at www.claytonyouththeater.com