For The Observer

Auditions for Northwest Mississippi Community College’s spring production, “West Side Story,” will be held Nov. 9-10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Senatobia campus, according to Jo Ellen Logan, director of the play.

Logan said she is seeking talented actors, singers and dancers to perform the Broadway musical.

“Not everyone has to sing and dance, but it is a musical so most of the parts do require it,” she explained.

In order to audition for a singing part, the person must prepare a 16-bar audition piece to perform in front of the directors. Musical director of the show will be Susanne VanDyke. Tiffany Harrison of Senatobia will serve as choreographer of the musical and will teach the dancers their moves once they are selected for the show.

“We invite any dancers with special talents such as ballet or gymnastics to try out as well,” Logan said. Logan added that most of the roles in the musical are teenagers, but some older people are needed to fill other positions. There is also a singing role with a solo available for a child between the ages of 10 and 12.

Auditions are open to everyone, including high school students and others from the community.

“West Side Story” was a book by Arthur Laurents that was made into a musical. The musical’s plot is based on William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” but takes place in the mid-1950s.

According to Logan, “If you saw ‘Cats’ you will love ‘West Side Story.’”

For more information contact Logan at 562-3328 or by e-mail at jelogan@northwestms.edu.