The Alexandra, Birmingham is delighted to celebrate 20 years of Stage Experience this month with a full-scale production of one of the most beloved musicals. West Side Story is the breathtaking collaboration of world-renowned lyricist Stephen Sondheim and composer Leonard Bernstein; featuring iconic songs including I Feel Pretty, Somewhere, America, Tonight and many more.
Over 70 young, talented individuals of the Midlands area – who hail from Staffordshire to Worcestershire, Birmingham to Warwickshire, Coventry to the Black Country – will start rehearsals from today (Fri 1 Aug) for 14 days. A team of aspiring technicians will also work behind the scenes on lighting, sound and a spectacular full-scale set.
In 2003, Stage Experience (previously named Summer Youth Project) burst onto the stage with a production of Guys and Dolls, directed and choreographed by industry professional Pollyann Tanner. Over two decades and twenty productions later, Pollyann continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the project, stunning audiences with unforgettable performances of legendary shows including Annie, The Sound of Music, and contemporary classics like Footloose and Bring It On.
Previous participants have gone on to build successful careers in the entertainment industry, including comedian, Joe Lycett, and theatre sensation, Liam Doyle, who has since toured across the UK for Mamma Mia, Hairspray and Wicked. With a focus on developing skills in a fast-paced commercial theatre, gaining confidence and forming long lasting memories and friendships, Stage Experience has been open to all individuals aged 9 – 24 for 20 years and continues its mission this year; welcoming and platforming the theatre stars of tomorrow such as local performer Heaven Okah.
Playing the iconic role of Anita, the 19-year-old from Sandwell said:
“I’m so excited to be part of West Side Story and to be playing Anita; a role I’ve admired for so long. This is my first time doing Stage Experience, and it honestly feels like a dream come true. Being given the chance to take on such a powerful, iconic role in a production at The Alexandra is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m really looking forward to learning from the amazing cast and creative team, pushing myself, and putting on a show to remember!”
Another Midlands-based performer, 17-year-old Hudson Mansour-Webb from Coventry, who is playing leader of the Sharks, Bernardo, said:
“This will be my first time performing with Stage Experience and I am genuinely thrilled to be stepping out onto the stage where many talented professionals have stood before me. I’m also very grateful to have received a bursary, which has given me the opportunity to take part without any financial worries for my mom. West Side Story has been a favourite musical of mine since I was small, and while I may not have understood the story back then, the catchy songs and balletic dance style inspired my desire to perform. I am looking forward to the challenge of rehearsing and putting on a show, with a Puerto Rican accent, in just two weeks alongside such a talented cast.”
Tickets are available now – support local young performers and book your seats at www.atgtickets.com/Birmingham