South Plantation high's production of the broadway musical west side story deaf asl on ABC world news

South Plantation's production of the Broadway musical West Side Story had a special twist. The school is Broward County's main high school for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, so when auditions were held, 120 students turned-out for 50 coveted spots. Among them, a handful of deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Drama teacher Jason Zembuch: "What's inherent in the script is that we have a clash of two cultures," Zembuch said. "The original production is a clash between the Puerto Ricans and the Americans. In this production, we have a clash of not only the Puerto Ricans and the Americans but also the deaf and the hearing."

Zembuch adapted the story: The Jets are hearing and most of the Sharks are deaf, including Maria. Initially, the love struck couple - Maria and Tony - can't communicate until Tony learns to sign.

It was clear this production took enormous time and dedication. But is also took a lot of money: $43,000. None of it came from the school board, the county or the state, so the students had to raise every penny of it. With candy sales, car washes, program sponsors and ticket sales, the money was raised. The cast -- hearing and deaf -- bonded.

By aiming high, this ambitious production found a way to add new meaning to a familiar, old story.

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[christalelynne]

With a gay "Hitler" as a director, of course its perfect.

::shutters:: Be weary~

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[Destined2Audition]

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[Destined2Audition]

Don't miss the Summer Theatre Programs being offered at SPHS and FLCT..... Register your youth now.

[c91dreamer]

such an amazing idea! i wish i could have been in the show (or at least have seen it)

[btothefloflo]

It is sad that if these students were football or basketball players, they would probably be getting all kinds of funding, instead they have to do it on their own. And what they have done-well lets not compare "apples" and "oranges," but it deserves just as much support any sports team.

[bwaycraz3d84]

I saw this too, and it was fantastic!

[THEjordanshereenSHOW]

i saw that play there it was amazing the actors did an amazing job

[taitaibballin]

wow that play looks so amazing.... i wish i could see it! :)