Manukau Institute of Technology’s (MIT) School of Performing Arts will showcase the immense talent of its students in their very first production this August, when they take on Arthur Laurent’s 1950s classic "West Side Story".

Manukau Institute of Technology’s (MIT) School of Performing Arts will showcase the immense talent of its students in their very first production this August, when they take on Arthur Laurent’s 1950s classic "West Side Story".

This Broadway musical, directed by David Coddington, is sure to please with performers fully embracing their characters with mature voices and a little added South Auckland flavour.

Choreography and costume design will be taken on by award-winning independent performance artist and choreographer Cat Ruka (Ngapuhi, Waitaha, Pakeha) who is the Head Dance Lecturer for the School of Performing Arts at MIT. Having trained at the University of Auckland, Cat now performs internationally and has spoken as a Maori dance expert in Aotearoa.

MIT School of Performing Arts Singing Lecturer Jason Te Mete will enhance the musical styling of the production, bringing with him a wealth of experience in theatre, both on stage and behind the scenes. Ruka and Te Mete both promise to hit hard, incorporating modern techniques and allowing the students to showcase their talent in a first class production.

The set, designed by Becky Ehlers, will be painted by students from the MIT School of Visual Arts and makeup and hair will be created by students from the School of Hair and Beauty.

Witness the creative spirit of Manukau Institute of Technology blast onto the stage. This is a show not to be missed.

When and Where: West Side Story will be at TelstraClear Pacific: Genesis Energy Theatre in Manukau for three days with matinee and evening performances over Friday 19, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 August

Tickets available now from Ticket Direct www.ticketdirect.co.nz or through TelstraClear Pacific Box  Office on site or 09 976 7777.