ASHLAND —
The cast, crew, set designers and everyone else involved with a touring production of “West Side Story” will take the show on the road after spending two weeks and two days at the Paramount Arts Center honing every last detail of the classic piece of American musical theatre.
“They have been down here every day from 8 in the morning until 9 or 10 at night,” said Paramount Arts Center Executive Director Kathy Setterman as the sounds of the “West Side Story” orchestra filtered through the Paramount lobby Tuesday.
Setterman said the Paramount is honored to serve as the “tech house” for the production, which will play for two nights on the local stage before packing everything into trucks for an intense touring schedule.
“It’s a pretty big deal, I think, for the community and it’s a great opportunity for us,” Setterman said, explaining the local performing arts center benefits from the situation, as well as area restaurants and other businesses. The touring company has also hired an average of 20 additional workers each day to help meet production deadlines.
“They’re very comfortable here. It takes a lot of people to do something like this,” Setterman said. “I’ve never watched a show being put together. This is a huge show. I believe it will tour with four trucks.”
PAC technical director Ritchie Collins said working alongside the veteran entertainment professionals has been an educational experience.
“You can’t not learn in this business. Learning is constant,” said Collins, who has personally been involved with three previous versions of the famous musical. “I love West Side Story. I know all the music,” he said, adding people who know the script and songs will appreciate the more contemporary look and feel to be incorporated in this production.
Collins said the tech work has been a boost for Ashland “with 50 to 60 people downtown every day,” and nearly three weeks of solid work for local people with desired skills.
“It’s been no less than 20 people a day,” he said. “It has been all kinds of jobs ... in props, carpentry, electrical, wardrobe and wigs — all the stage craft.”
“West Side Story” executive producer Randy Buck said the Paramount has been an excellent place for the company to accomplish nearly Herculean tasks. Buck said he especially appreciates the effort required to preserve the old movie theater for a new generation of audiences.
“You’ve got this historic building in the middle of your town and I want to learn more about the history of it. Fortunately, you’ve held onto this,” Buck said, later adding the facility has worked well for their purposes. “It’s terrific. It is a nice size and has a big back stage ... and there is a Starbucks across the street. We look at that as the cornerstone of civilization. And, you have such friendly people and lots of restaurants.”
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.
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