Play It Cool With Max Clayton, The Charismatic 'Riff' of Signature's Intimate New West Side Story!

Play It Cool With Max Clayton, The Charismatic "Riff" of Signature's Intimate New West Side Story!

Photos Play It Cool With Max Clayton, The Charismatic "Riff" of Signature's Intimate New West Side Story!

Jan 05, 2016

Signature Theatre's energetic, intimate new production of West Side Story has been dazzling DC-area audiences. Max Clayton, who lends his skills to iconic gang leader Riff, invites us backstage and into the world of West Side Story!

Play It Cool With Max Clayton, The Charismatic "Riff" of Signature's Intimate New West Side Story!

Hey! Max Clayton here. I'll be sharing some 2-show-day "frabbajabba" at the beautiful Signature Theatre. As you can tell, <i>West Side</i> has always been my favorite. I played Baby John in 2007, and now I get to play my favorite dude, Riff! — Hey! Max Clayton here. I'll be sharing some 2-show-day "frabbajabba" at the beautiful Signature Theatre. As you can tell, *West Side* has always been my favorite. I played Baby John in 2007, and now I get to play my favorite dude, Riff! Max Clayton

The obligatory "Good morning!" picture from the most comfortable bed in the world. My family's visiting so my Mom and Dad definitely woke me up like the good old days. Max Clayton

Quick workout with Tony Neidenbach (Big Deal) before heading to breakfast with my family in DC. Max Clayton

I HAD to bring them to my favorite brunch spot downtown, Founding Farmers! Nooo we didn't get the Beignets for dessert with chocolate sauce. Definitely not. Max Clayton

We had to run back to my house because I forgot my charger. This is my house. Max Clayton

I still can't get over how absolutely stunning this city is. Max Clayton

The incredible Austin Colby (Tony) helps me sign in. #wombtotomb Max Clayton

I share a name with a theater. Let's go inside. Max Clayton

The production stars MaryJoanna Grisso as Maria, Austin Colby as Tony, Sean Ewing as Bernardo and Max Clayton as Riff. Helen Hayes Award winner Natascia Diaz returns to the role of Anita.

The cast also features Jasmine Alexis, Jacob Beasley, Kurt Boehm, Jennifer Cordiner, Ryan Fitzgerald, Michael Graceffa, Colleen Hayes, Jamie Howes, Ryan Kanfer, Katie Mariko Murray, Ilda Mason, Tony Niedenbach, Zachary Norton, DJ Petrosino, Olivia Ashley Reed, Eric Rivas Maria Rizzo, Ryan Sellers, Bobby Smith, Cami Spring, Russell Sunday, Joseph Tudor, Shawna Walker, J. Morgan White and John Leslie Wolfe.

The production has choreography by Parker Esse (based on original choreography by Jerome Robbins); musical direction by Jon Kalbfleisch; scenic design by Misha Kachman; costume design by Frank Labovitz; lighting design by Jason Lyons; sound design by Lane Elms; hair design by Anne Nesmith; fight choreography by Casey Kaleba; associate choreographer Jessica Hartman; assistant choreographer Tony Niedenbach; production stage manager Kerry Epstein; and assistant stage managers Allie Roy and Paul Luckenbaugh.

West Side Story features a score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. The book was written by Arthur Laurents. For more information visit sigtheatre.org

Play It Cool With Max Clayton, The Charismatic "Riff" of Signature's Intimate New West Side Story!

Play It Cool With Max Clayton, The Charismatic "Riff" of Signature's Intimate New West Side Story!

Play It Cool With Max Clayton, The Charismatic "Riff" of Signature's Intimate New West Side Story!

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