CTORA Productions brings the timeless Broadway classic West Side Story to life on Granville Island, Vancouver.

Featuring the iconic original choreography, a stunning 16-foot set, and a 14-piece live orchestra.

Vancouver, BC / May 8 – 24, 2025 — This spring, CTORA Theatre invites you to experience one of Broadway’s most beloved and enduring musicals, West Side Story, running May 8–24, 2025, at the Granville Island Stage.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this riveting tale follows two young lovers, Tony and Maria, who find themselves torn apart by rival gangs in the streets of 1950s New York City. Audiences will be transported by Leonard Bernstein’s soaring score, Stephen Sondheim’s poignant lyrics, and Arthur Laurents’ timeless book.

Under the direction of Chris Adams, with Suzanne Ouellette painstakingly recreating Jerome Robbins’ original 1957 choreography, the production preserves the electrifying dance sequences that defined the show’s iconic status. “Our vision is to celebrate the legacy of West Side Story while making it resonate with today’s audiences. This story of love, division, and hope is as relevant now as it was when it first premiered,” says Adams.

Adding to the show’s spectacle is a 14-piece live orchestra led by Music Director Kevin Woo, honoring Leonard Bernstein’s original orchestrations. The stage itself is a marvel—a 16-foot-tall set designed by Brian Ball, capturing the gritty vibrancy of New York City’s streets and immersing the audience in every heartbeat of the story.

“Jerome Robbins’ choreography is integral to the storytelling of West Side Story. Recreating it with precision and passion is both a challenge and a privilege—every movement carries history and emotion,” notes Ouellette, whose dance expertise brings the timeless energy of the original Broadway production to life.

Tickets range from $38-$68 (plus fees) and are on sale now at ctora.ca.  Shows include 8pm evenings and 2pm matinees.

West Side Story is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

This production is rated PG-13.While this powerful musical is a timeless classic, it includes mature themes, language, and scenes of violence that may not be suitable for younger children. Parental guidance is advised.

About CTORA Productions:

CTORA Productions is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for both professional and emerging artists, fostering an inclusive community that welcomes diverse voices and ideas. CTORA has produced a wide range of works that include live stage performances, music videos, TV series and short films. With some of the best professionals making up our creative team, every CTORA show provides stunning visual effects and dazzling sound for the enjoyment of our audience.

Photo by Canna Zhou.