South Bay Community Theater Reopens In-Person Performances

SUNNYVALE, CA — Sunnyvale Community Players returns to in-person performances Saturday with a production of West Side Story at the Sunnyvale Community Center.

The production marks a return to live, in-person theatre after 18 months and will feature an “ambitious” large-scale production with a full orchestra, according to Steve Shapiro, one of the producers.

Director Thomas Times said in a news release that West Side Story remains as relevant today as it was when it first premiered.

“And, dare I say, the world of 2021 needs WEST SIDE STORY more than ever before,” Times said. “Through the lens of 1950s New York, we witness a love story that is doomed to fail because the system of oppression in place believes where you were born determines who you can love, what you can do, and who you can be. Hopefully we can learn from the missteps and mistakes of the people in our story to develop a better world for those who are coming after us.”

Sunnyvale Community Players has been dedicated to preserving performing arts in Silicon Valley for the past 52 years.

“The music, the love, and the heart of this story and production are all the perfect welcome back to the world of live theatre and we are so excited to share this story with you all,” Times said.

The production opens on Saturday and runs through Oct. 3. All performances will take place at the Sunnyvale Theatre at the Sunnyvale Community Center at 550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, CA. Some content may be inappropriate for younger patrons due to adult subject matter. Ticket prices are $44 for adults and $38 for seniors (60+) and students. A $3.50 service charge will be added to the cost of each ticket. Tickets are available online at sunnyvaleplayers.org or through the box office at (408) 475-1198.