Following Kennedy Center Breakup, Washington National Opera Announces New Venues & Dates for ‘West Side Story’
By Francisco SalazarThe Washington National Opera has announced venues and dates for its production of Bernstein’s “West Side Story.”
The company revealed that it will perform the work at the Lyric Baltimore on May 8, 9, 10 and at the Music Center at Strathmore, May 14 and 15, 2026.
In a statement, WNO General Director Timothy O’Leary said, “We are grateful that so many people and partners have come together so WNO can ‘go on with the show. The public has rallied around Washington National Opera as more than just an arts organization, but as a part of American civil society, one of many institutions that make our culture more compassionate, connected, and beautiful.”
He added, “As we begin this new chapter, WNO is honored to be performing at the Lyric in Baltimore and at Strathmore, in addition to our previously announced collaboration with Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University. Through programs at home in D.C., combined with performances throughout our region, we look forward to reaching more people than ever before.”
“West Side Story” will be conducted by Marin Alsop on May 8, 9, and 15 and by James Lowe on May 10 and 14. The production will be directed by Francesca Zambello and will star Ryan McCartan, Shereen Pimentel, Taylor Harley, Amanda Castro, and Yurel Echezarreta.
Additionally, the company announced that its 70th Anniversary Gala will take place on May 16, 2026 at The National Building Museum. The Gala is co-hosted by famed Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz and Jamie Bernstein.,
Schwartz said, “I’m so pleased to be able to participate in the gala for Washington National Opera as it starts its next act as a fully independent organization. WNO has always been a musical treasure, as evidenced by its new production of ‘West Side Story,’ one of the great works of American musical theatre.”
Since the Washington National Opera ended its collaboration with the Trump-run and soon-to-be “shutdown for renovations” John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the company has announced performances at the Lisner Auditorium in George Washington University, George Washington Masonic Memorial, St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, National Presbyterian Church, Hylton Center, and The Rectory on Princess Street, among others.
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