West Side Story on the water

Handa’s Opera on the Harbour presents the return of its most popular production, West Side Story, for a very limited season and with two fresh new faces in the leading roles. First Nations soprano, Nina Korbe will make her professional theatrical debut as Maria, and young tenor, Billy Bourchier, will play opposite her as her doomed lover, Tony. 

“We are so excited to have these two fabulous Australian talents lead this production, audiences are going to be thrilled by their talent and energy on stage,” said Opera Australia’s Artistic Director Jo Davies. 

Nina Korbe is a proud Koa, Kuku Yalanji, Wakka Wakka woman and actively involved in the championing of First Nations voices.

Billy Bourchier hails from Canberra and has performed in many professional musical ensembles including Opera Australia’s recent production of Miss Saigon in which he was cover for the lead role of Chris.

West Side Story is a retelling of Shakespeare’s timeless Romeo and Juliet, brought into the 20^th century in the poor, racially charged streets of New York. The powerful music of Leonard Bernstein paired with the witty lyrics of Stephen Sondheim make every song a thrilling moment on stage. 

The story is writ large on an enormous floating stage with the sparkling city scape providing the perfect backdrop. Fireworks, construction-level sets and effects, and the star-filled skies above make Handa Opera on the Harbour a truly unique, must have experience. 

March 22 – April 21

Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Sydney

opera.org.au