The classic musical West Side Story dances into Footlight Music Theatre July 21-Aug. 13, with award-winning actor C.J. Blankenship. Jay Manley directs with Bubba Gong as choreographer. West Side Story, one of most beloved American musicals, retells William Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, to the tunes of Leonard Bernstein-Stephen Sondheim's score, which includes "Maria," "Tonight" and "America."

C.J. Blankenship stars as Tony with Lane McKenna as Maria. Blankenship recently won a Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle award for his portrayal of Curly in the Foothill's Oklahoma!. Also in the cast are Kato James Bonner (Bernardo), Lisa Jenai Hernandez (Anita), David Sattler (Riff) and Erwin Urbi (Action).

West Side Story's design team is Joe Ragey (sets), Janis Bergmann (costumes) and Kurt Landisman (lighting).

Tickets are $15-$10. Foothill Music Theatre is located on the campus of Foothill College at 12345 El Monte Road. For reservations, call (650) 948 4444.

-- By Christine Ehren