"Star-Crossed Lovers," the centerpiece of the performance, is set to the music of West Side Story and tells the tragic tale of young lovers caught up in the gang scene of modern New York City. Norbert Nirewicz will dance the part of an ex-gang member who falls in love with a rival gang leader's sister, to be danced by Ashley Revell. Serguei Chtykov is the rival gang leader.

The musical style is based on big-band, jazz, and Latin music, and the dance style ranges from classical ballet to contemporary jazz.

Nirewicz and Chtykov are guest artists with the USC Dance Company this season, and Revell is a sophomore from Florence. Choreography is by Susan Anderson, artistic director, and Nirewicz. Scenic design is by Nic Ularu, with costumes by Indira Londsdale.

The dance concert also will feature a new work by Miriam Barbosa. Maurice Ravel will set the contemporary piece to Spanish Rhapsody. It will feature Chtykov, who has a dream that awakens his knowledge of womanhood. Ularu and Londsdale designed the set and costumes, respectively.

Tickets are $10 for the public and $8 for students. For reservations, call 251-2222. For more information, call 7-5636 or go to www.cla.sc.edu/THEA.

09/03