OCPAC celebrates ‘West Side Story’s’ 50th

The Orange County Performing Arts Center presents a free showing of the “West Side Story” Monday evening in celebration of the musical’s 50th Broadway premiere anniversary at 8:30 p.m. in the center’s Plaza.

The musical spin on “Romeo and Juliet,” William Shakespeare’s most famous story of unrequited love follows Maria and Tony, two kids from rival New York City gangs who fall for each other.

The story is set to a snappy score and a slew of unforgettable songs.

The film won 10 Academy Awards featuring the music of Leonard Bernstein, directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise, starring Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer and Rita Moreno.

The Plaza opens at 5:30 p.m. The Performing Arts center is at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa.

For more information, (714) 556-2122 or visit www.ocpac.org.

— Kelly Strodl