Girls from the Puerto Rican gang, the Sharks, Kelsey Greenway (from left), Charae' Tongg, Talia Schulz and Melanie Ash gossip about the boys in MAPA's production of “West Side Story,” opening tonight at the Maui Tropical Plantation. MAPA photo

THURSDAY, JULY 24 BEN VERDERY Classical guitarist Ben Verdery will perform at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Church in Keokea. His annual Maui concerts are filled with guitar artistry, and this year will be no different. Among the musical selections are several never-before-heard pieces and old favorites. Donations requested at the door will benefit the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii. ‘WEST SIDE STORY’ Maui Academy of Performing Arts offers a summertime theatrical experience under the stars with the production of “West Side Story” at Maui Tropical Plantation, opening at 7:30 p.m. tonight through Aug. 3. This “Romeo and Juliet” tale of two lovers caught in the crossfire between rival gangs in New York City is one of the most enduring musical dramas, garnering 10 Academy Awards and two Tony Awards after it opened 50 years ago on Broadway. Performed by a cast of 48 young Maui actors, the production is the culmination of over 200 hours of classes and rehearsals in MAPA’s Sum’R Acting Camp. Da