If you go
› What: Leonard Bernstein Centennial: “The Creation of West Side Story”› When: 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 19› Where: Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.› Admission: $25› Phone: 423-267-8538
Composer/conductor/concert pianist/educator Leonard Bernstein would have been 100 years old on Aug. 25, and the body of work that he left behind is likely to be remembered and revered for at least another century.
Whether through the orchestras he led, the pieces he composed or the songs he played himself, his legacy is nearly unmatched in music history.
To celebrate his centennial, people around the world have organized nearly 3,000 events on six continents. These include a performance of his greatest work, "West Side Story" in South Africa, "Candide" in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and "Fancy Free" in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as well as six different operas and theatrical works this summer at Tanglewood, where Bernstein began his career.
A local celebration of Bernstein and his work is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, Aug. 19, at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.
Charles Troy will present "The Creation of West Side Story." Troy has been praised by New York Playbill as "America's most acclaimed musical theater historian." His presentations have been seen in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Sarasota and Boca Raton, Florida.
Patrons to Sunday's show will learn the story behind the musical through a multimedia presentation that draws on graphics, voices of the participants, film and theater clips that make it entertaining as well as informative. Additionally, Darrin and Christine Hassevoort will sing several selections from the original Broadway musical with Alan Nichols accompanying them on piano.
After Troy's presentation, an audience sing-along of some favorite Broadway tunes will be held, accompanied by pianist Nichols, followed by light refreshments.
For tickets: 423-267-8534.