West Side Story previewed several numbers for the mass media, in the Chamartin railway station in Madrid, December 12.

The cast members in West Side Story performed several dancing scenes for about half an hour in the middle of a crowded square, raising great expectations and attracting a great deal of passengers who were about to board trains at that time.

The show, sponsored by the National Railway Firm, will preview on December 16 and will be finally presented on the stage of the Apolo Theatre in Madrid Thursday, December 18.

The arrival of West Side Story, which is only going to be on stage until March since a contract has already been signed for a tour of Spain, means the presentation of the fourth musical in Madrid this season, establishing the capital of Spain as a perfect place to see musicals.

West Side Story is choreographed by American Barry McNabb, who has credits such as Jekyll & Hyde andAnyone Can Whistle. Mr. McNabb told Playbill On-Line that he adapted West Side Story specifically for the dancers at his disposal, and so he was able to compose a really intense show. As an aside, Artistic Director Richard Reguant commented that one of the main objectives of the producing firm Focus (the firm producing West Side Story), is to present the musical Blood Brothers in Spanish in Madrid, the same musical that was so successful in Barcelona some seasons ago.

West Side Story runs at the Nuevo Apolo Theatre: 1, Tirso de Molina Street Madrid. Tickets are from 1500 to 4000 Spanish pesetas with discounts for groups at this phone: 902115018 (only from Spain); Tickets phone: 902488488 (only from Spain); Box Office: +34 1 3690637.

--By Carlos Lorenzo
Spain Correspondent