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The Lyceum production of "West Side Story" -- which began June 25 and runs through July 6 -- apparently is impressing even the most seasoned theater patrons.

Yolibet Varela as Maria and Chad Coudriet as Tony play the star-crossed young lovers caught between two very different families in New York City in the classic musical remake of Shakespeare's classic play, "Romeo and Juliet."

"We saw West Side Story Saturday night, and it was amazing! We were all breathless at the end of the show. The production has the original Jerome Robbins choreography, which is both difficult and beautifully performed," one patron told the Lyceum staff.

Another patron said, "Just wanted to let you know that in the (35) years I've been going to Arrow Rock theatre Saturday evening's performance was the best I've ever seen. It was tremendous."

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And beginning Wednesday, July 2, anyone who wants to see the show will get a lucky break. The tickets for the Friday, July 4, matinee at 2 p.m. may be purchased for a $10 discount.

"The 4th of July matinee is a great chance for kids and families to enjoy a holiday together in a thoroughly professional live theater production of a wonderful show on our stage," said Jackie Buckley, marketing coordinator of the Lyceum. "It's a life-time memory to give children of all ages."

"Also, as gas prices may affect families to choose 'stay-cations' this year, rather than vacations, the Lyceum offers a full summer and early fall schedule of great performances for all ages," said Quin Gresham, Lyceum artistic director.

Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office, 660-837-3311 or by logging in to www.lyceumtheatre.org.

Gresham is the director of "West Side Story" and as with the season-opening "Cats" has brought actors, dancers and singers from New York City to perform in "West Side Story."

"The actress who plays Maria is Puerto Rican, so her accent is authentic," he said. "The show, though 49 years old, is dazzling!"

In his director's notes on the musical, Gresham notes that there is more to "West Side Story" than simply updating the setting.

"The tale is as timeless as its source material" which pre-dates Shakespeare's play by 30 years, he said. "The real brilliance of 'West Side Story' is ... how we as an audience pull for the young lovers to find a way around the bigotry baarring their love."

"West Side Story" is the second of three big-cast musicals this summer at the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, and many of the performances have sold out the 408-seat theater, including the opener a week ago.

Only four more performances of "West Side Story" remain: 2 p.m. matinee, Friday, July 4; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. performances, Saturday, July 5; and a 2 p.m. matinee, Sunday, July 6.

The rest of the season will include six more productions: "Big: the Musical" opens July 12, "Proof" opens July 25, "Arsenic and Old Lace" opens Aug. 8, "Little Women, the Musical" opens Aug. 23, "On Golden Pond" opens Sept. 6 and "The Mousetrap" opens Sept. 20.

On the Net:

www.lyceumtheatre.org