Classics returning to stages

Two classic musicals and a Neil Simon comedy are among this week's new stage openings.

• "WEST SIDE STORY," the landmark Broadway musical adapted from Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," opens Friday and continues through July 1 in Rodgers Memorial Theatre, 292 E. Pages Lane, Centerville.

Directed by Alane Schofield and choreographed by Susan S. Holland, with music direction by Mauri Tarbox, the double-cast ensemble includes Michael Bierwolf and Benjamin C. Plowman sharing the role of Tony, Megan Davies and Melissa Cecala as Maria, David R. Gowans and Nathan Mikami as Bernardo and Dee Dee Riches and Taylor Allred as Anita.

Performances are Mondays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12-$14 for adults, $11-$12 for students and senior citizens and $9 for children (298-1302).

• "SARAH, PLAIN AND TALL," adapted by Joseph Robbinette from Patricia MacLachlan's Newbery Award-winning book, is playing Wednesday through June 17 in the Pardoe Theatre of Brigham Young University's Harris Fine Arts Center, Provo.

Allison Belnap is directing a cast that includes Jared Harris as Jacob, a lonely 19th-century widower with two children who advertises for a wife, and Emily Bunworth as Sarah, who answers his ad, with Noah Autry and Ali Hill as Jacob's two children, Caleb and Anna.

Discounted dress rehearsals will be Wednesday and Thursday. Tickets are $5 for the two dress rehearsals and all matinees (June 8, 10, 15 and 17 at 2 p.m.) and $6-$9 for regular evening performances, Tuesdays-Saturdays. There will be no performances on June 6-7 and no evening performance on June 17 (422-7664).

In conjunction with the production, Provo City Library at Academy Square is launching its "Provo Reads" program. Students K-12 who participate in the project and read the book, "Sarah, Plain and Tall," will receive two free tickets to one of the four matinees (visit the library or call 852-6650).

• "BAREFOOT IN THE PARK," one of Neil Simon's early comedies, is playing Friday through July 1 at Provo Theatre Company, 105 E. 100 North, Provo.

Rick Macy is directing. His cast includes Katie Rockwood as Corie and Cort Kirksey as Paul — newlyweds beginning their life together in an unfinished apartment on the fifth floor of a New York brownstone.

Barta Heiner, popular BYU professor and local actress-director, is portraying Corie's mother, Ethel. Also in the cast are Dan Hess, Ben Sansom and Ken Norris.

Performances are Mondays and Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12.50 and $15 (379-0600 or www.provotheatrecompany.com).