March 2026 — Diamond Head Theatre’s West Side Story enjoyed a successful run, with additional performances added due to popular demand, including an extended final matinee that offered audiences one last chance to experience the Tony Award-winning musical on stage.
Since its Broadway debut in 1957, West Side Story has remained one of theatre’s most influential works. Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, it follows Tony and Maria as they fall in love amid rising tensions between the Jets and Sharks in 1950s New York City. With unforgettable music and powerful storytelling, the musical explores timeless themes of love, prejudice, hope and belonging. First staged at Diamond Head Theatre in the 1961–62 season, the production returns more than six decades later with renewed energy while honoring its legacy.
Leading the cast are Damian Chambers and Jonah Guerrero as Tony and Relle Reavis as Maria, joined by Emi Sampson as Anita, Mike Braud as Riff and Dwayne Sakaguchi as Bernardo.
Actor Damian Chambers brings intensity and optimism to Tony, portraying a young man shaped by his past as a former Jet but focused on building a better future. That sense of forward momentum defines his performance, especially as Tony is transformed upon meeting Maria. Damian emphasizes Tony’s belief in seizing opportunity without hesitation, describing his character's mindset as "If this is your shot, take it and don't waste any time."
Actress Relle Reavis portrays Maria with depth and sensitivity, capturing a young woman navigating immigration, family expectations and community tension. She highlights Maria’s maturity. She states that "a lot of the tension between the two gangs are more about... being afraid" as fear and misunderstanding often fuel division. Performing opposite Damian, Relle describes the experience as inspiring and collaborative, with her performance anchoring the love story through hope and emotional clarity.
The production is directed and choreographed by Andrew Sakaguchi, with musical direction by Jason Nomura. The creative team also includes Deanne Kennedy (Set Design), Stephen Clear (Lighting Design), Emily Lane (Costume Design), Michael Minor and La Fa’amausili-Siliato (Sound Design), Kyle Conner (Props Design), Aiko Schick (Hair & Make-Up Design), with Tom Bingham serving as Production Stage Manager.
The Jets include Karsyn Wentzell as Big Deal, Alex Miller as Snow Boy, James Lauer as Diesel, Tai Malalis as A-Rab, Owen Gaillard as Baby John, Colton Cameros as Guitar and understudy for Action, and Chandler Converse as Anybodys. The Jet Girls feature Salote Vaha’i as Graziella, Brittany Lewis as Velma and Anneliese Wirsching as Minnie.
The Sharks are portrayed by Justin Garde as Chino, Timmy Nozaki as Indio, Saea Hikila as Pepe, Paul Garcia as Luis and Trent Yamagata as Toro. Sammy Houghtailing appears as Anxious and also serves as a Jet swing, while Jasmine Weldon serves as swing for the Jet and Shark Girls. The Shark Girls include Kirra Baughn as Teresita, Caris Leong as Francisca, Pualalea Panaewa as Consuela, Rain Young as Estella and KC Ann Sison Tadina Olivas as Rosalia.
Rounding out the cast are Ken Roberts as Lieutenant Schrank, Brandon Yim as Glad Hand, Ioane Camacho as Officer Krupke and Joe Martyak as Doc, with Kalani Hicks serving as understudy for Lieutenant Schrank.
Support for this production is provided by Platinum Sponsors Crum & Forster, First Hawaiian Bank and Hawaii Pacific Health; Diamond Sponsors Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach and John Young Foundation; and Gold Sponsors Justine Stamen Arrillaga and John Arrillaga, Lester Kaneta and Marien Kaneta, Dorrette P. S. Luke, Mariko Lyons and Joseph Lyons, and Carolyn Berry Wilson.
