West Side Story, Matt Cavenaugh, who plays the role of 'Tony,'exits the show on 13 Dec

Matt Cavenaugh, currently starring as 'Tony' in the Broadway revival of West Side Story, directed by Arthur Laurents, will exit the production at the conclusion of his contract. His final performance will be on 13 Dec 2009. There has been no announcement about his replacement.

Ben Brantley wrote in The New York Times that Cavenaugh's "singing is more tender, wondering and introspective than that of most Tonys, with less of the regulation leading-man virility. His Tony has a goofy, woolgathering and slightly shy side that helps explain his subsequent ill-advised behavior."

However, his portrayal of 'Tony' was not universally praised by the critics, with some commenting that he looked too innocent to be the leader of a street gang, lacked passion in his character's love interest with Maria, and that his voice is too thin for the role.

Following West Side Story, Cavenaugh is slated to star in a pilot of a new musical comedy, currently in development. Also in development is a concert series with his wife, actress Jenny Powers ('Happiness,' 'Grease'), featuring the music of Leonard Bernstein.

"I want to thank the producers and the entire creative team, especially Arthur, for the opportunity to play the iconic role that inspired me (and countless others) to pursue a career in the theatre. I have been blessed to work with such an incredible cast, who sweat blood and tears every night, to honor and share one of the greatest musicals ever written to a devoted and loving audience."

West Side Story opened at the Palace Theatre on 19 Mar 2009, following previews from 23 Feb and is currently selling tickets through to 2 May 2010.

West Side Story transports the tale of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to the turbulent streets of the Upper West Side in 1950's New York City. Two star-crossed lovers, Tony and Maria, find themselves caught between the rival street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds, the "Jets" and the "Sharks." The musical tells of their struggle to exist together in a world of violence, hate and prejudice.

The musical opened to mainly good reviews: "It snaps, it crackles, it pops!" (New York Post); "by far the best revival any of us will get in our lifetime. See it and cherish it." (Bloomberg); "it's still a wonderful show" (NewsDay); "as relevant and groundbreaking as the first production" (Back Stage); "this masterwork has been given the revival it deserves" (Variety).

The cast features Matt Cavenaugh (Tony), Karen Olivo (Anita), John Arthur Greene (Riff), George Akram (Bernardo), Josefina Scaglione (Maria), Steve Bassett (Lt. Schrank), Kyle Brenn (Boy Soprano), Joshua Buscher (Diesel), Mike Cannon (Snowboy), Kyle Coffman (A-Rab), Joey Haro (Chino), Eric Hatch (Big Deal), Curtis Holbrook (Action), Michael Mastro (Glad Hand), Danielle Polanco (Consuela), Jennifer Sanchez (Rosalia), Lee Sellars (Krupke), Tro Shaw (Anybodys), Ryan Steele (Baby John) and Greg Vinkler (Doc).

Directed by multiple Tony Award winner and author of the musical Arthur Laurents,West Side Story features scenic designs by James Youmans, costumes by David C. Woolard, lighting by Howell Binkley and sound design by Dan Moses Schreier. Tony Award nominee Joey McKneely recreates Jerome Robbins's original choreography. (Robbins died in 1998.)

West Side Story is written by two-time Tony Award winner Arthur Laurents (book) and multiple Tony and Grammy Award winners Leonard Bernstein (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics).

The Bernstein and Sondheim score features such classics of the American musical theatre as "Something's Coming," "Tonight," "America," "I Feel Pretty" and "Somewhere."

The revival is produced by Kevin McCollum, James L. Nederlander, Jeffrey Seller with Terry Allen Kramer, Sander Jacobs, Freddy DeMann, Roy Furman, Robyn Goodman / Walter Grossman, Hal Luftig, Roy Miller and Broadway Across America.

West Side Story had its Broadway premiere in 1957, and was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. The production earned Robbins a Tony Award for Best Choreography.

The show was revived on Broadway in 1960, 1964 and 1980. Except for the 1964 revival, which was directed by Gerald Freedman, all previous Broadway productions were directed by Jerome Robbins and featured his original choreography.