To directors who have chosen West Side Story as your next production, here’s another way you can advertise it. Say it’s part of the Leonard Bernstein at 100 celebration.

No, I’m not referring to moving 24 kids smoothly from stage right to left while changing 3 pieces of scenery. I’m whispering about that transition that happens annually for teachers, directors and kids. The one involving new beginnings in the cycle of life called the school year.