Students from three different schools in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District are coming together to perform "West Side Story."
It's a play about two teen gangs set in New York during the 1960s.
The show has a cast of 45 students, plus the backstage crew handling sound, lights, sets, props, and costumes.
Students from Pioneer Valley, Righetti and Santa Maria high schools are involved in the production.
Play directors say the goal is to produce a show in the district's new Panther Theatre where drama students from all three schools could showcase their talents.
"I feel like it's good, especially for our city which sometimes we have this conflict with gangs and it's like it should send a good message to our city that we should all be together and work as a family," said Jorge Perez, Righetti High School senior.
"We became like best friends, like if we've known each other forever, like it was that type of bond that was so strong. I think it's like a theater-bond type of friendship," said Ixtla Vazquez, Pioneer Valley High School senior.
Shows take place at the Pioneer Valley High School Performing Arts Center starting at 7 p.m. on February 20-22 and 27-29, and at 2 p.m. on February 22 and 29.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.
