The most famous of American musicals. It is West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein, conducted by Michele Mariotti and staged by Damiano Michieletto, who has curated the program of the Caracalla Festival 2025. The new production by the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma premieres on Saturday, July 5 at the ancient Roman Baths, featuring the Orchestra and Ballet Company of the Capitoline opera foundation and a cast of specialists in the repertoire.
The story is freely inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, transposed into a contemporary setting. It takes place in New York’s Upper West Side in the 1950s, telling the story of the rivalry between two teenage gangs: the Sharks (Puerto Rican immigrants) and the Jets (a gang of white boys). Amidst hatred and intolerance, Tony, a former Jet and best friend of the gang leader Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, leader of the Sharks.
Forty specialist musical theatre performers have been called for this production, including the principal cast: Marek Zurowski (Tony), Sofia Caselli (Maria), Sergio Giacomelli (Bernardo), Natascia Fonzetti (Anita), and Sam Brown (Riff). The choreography is entrusted to Sasha Riva and Simone Repele and performed by the Ballet Company directed by Eleonora Abbagnato, joined by Francesco Fasano.
Working alongside Michieletto on this new production are his usual collaborators: Paolo Fantin (sets), Carla Teti (costumes), and Alessandro Carletti (lighting).