By DAISY MOON / Staff Writer

The Briarwood Christian High School drama department is gearing up for their fourth annual spring musical.

This year’s show is the well-known Westside Story – a modern day musical based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Like Romeo and Juliet, Westside Story is the tale of two opposing sides rising against each other over prejudice-related issues – this time between Puertaricans and American immigrants.

Two New York City gangs, the Sharks and the Jets, are at battle as a member of the Jets falls in love with the Shark leader’s sister.

The forbidden romance ultimately ends in tragedy.

Head of the drama department, Lee Eady said she hopes the show will inspire audience members to take part in overcoming the difficulties of racism and hate.

Principal Gene Branham said that students have put in plenty of rehearsal time over the past two months as they prepare for opening night.

This year’s performance consists of an extensive cast of 35 students, as well as 50 crew members working behind the scenes.

Ed Gurney, owner of Playhouse Inc., along with several Briarwood students have worked hard on the outstanding set design that will display fencing to represent the prejudices of racism.

Branham excitedly summed up his expectations of the show by saying, “It’s going to be great!”

Westside Story will take place on April 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Briarwood Christian High School’s Barbara B. Barker Auditorium.