Submitted photo by Joe Yates Nick Malin, left, and Patrick Rao, right, practice stage combat for the St. Agnes Catholic Church’s production of West Side Story.

“West Side Story” brings love and gang wars to Shepherdstown.

St. Agnes Catholic Church will be putting on their production of “West Side Story,” with performances beginning June 16 in Reynolds Hall.

“West Side Story” is a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and features music by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim.

Two gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, live in the same neighborhood on the Upper West Side of New York City. The Sharks, recent immigrants from Puerto Rico, are seen by the Jets – a Caucasian gang – and the cops as a threat to the American lifestyle.

“‘West Side Story’ is about two groups of people who are diametrically opposed to each other, but in reality, are very much alike,” said Joe Yates, the director and actor portraying Doc. “I think the show is a perfect reflection of our nation today, and offers a message that we all need to hear. And, there’s the whole love story thing, too.”

The musical stars Richard Yates as Tony and Maddie Malin as Maria, lovers separated by their families’ warring gangs.

Performances will take place June 16 and 23 at 8 p.m., June 17 and 24 at 2 and 8 p.m., and June 18 at 2 p.m.

For more information or to make reservations, visit stagnesshepherdstown.org.