CQU's Julia Thorton, Meegan Fox, Oliver Skrzypczynski and Tessa Coulter prepare to perform in West Side Story this monthRockhampton Venue and Events' upcoming production of West Side Story will put the spotlight on CQU's performing arts program when two recent graduates and two current students feature in the cast.

2006 graduate Tessa Coulter will play ‘Anita', second to the lead girl ‘Maria'. She sings America and A Boy Like That. While Julia Thornton, also a 2006 graduate, has been cast as ‘Consuela', a friend of Maria's who sings I Feel Pretty.  Second year student Meegan Fox will play ‘Teresita' a chorus member, while Oliver Skrzypczynski will play ‘Action' second to the lead in the Jets.

They join another 30 young local singers, actors and dancers in this Romeo and Juliet-style love story, which is transported to New York in the 1950s, where two idealistic young lovers from opposing gangs, the American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks, find themselves caught in the crossfire of racial hatred.

Their struggle to survive in a world of hate and prejudice makes West Side Story one of the most heart wrenching musicals of all time.

"I enjoy any role that is passionate, daring and entertaining and West Side Story is filled with all of this as it dares to go where no musical has," Ms Coulter explained.

"Throughout its 50 years of performance, it has entertained audiences with its bold story line and I feel that it relates well to reality, being able to connect with an audience while still displaying characters of fiction.

Directed by professional director David Pawsey, and with musical direction by Bob Heppell, West Side Story provides a beautiful blend of inventive staging, great music and a gritty story line. Beautiful, electrifying music, full of Latin American inspired cross-rhythms, mambos and cool jive, combine with spectacular choreography to create a tantalising theatrical treat.

Ms Coulter said some of her happiest years were those spent studying the Bachelor of Performing Arts degree at Central Queensland University.

"It made me mature and grow as a performer, helped me realise my talents and showed me exactly how far in this industry I could go.

"West Side Story has given me another opportunity to keep my training going ... they have given me support in my talent and in return have challenged me to push myself further.

"Rehearsals have been hard work, pushing us all out of our comfort zone."

West Side Story is part of the QR 2007 See It Live Theatre Season. 

West Side Story will be performed at the Pilbeam Theatre for 5 shows from March 23 to March 31. Tickets are available from the Pilbeam Theatre, Dial'n'Charge 4927 4111 or online at http://www.pilbeamtheatre.com.au/ .