From the Library of Congress Archives: WEST SIDE STORY Exhibit Showcases the Magic Behind The Scenes

One of the greatest musicals of all time, WEST SIDE STORY, has been turned into an exhibit by the Library of Congress. According to the Library of Congress, the exhibition is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this renowned musical.

The exhibition features items drawn from the Library's enormous Leonard Bernstein Collection. The exhibit will offer an exclusive and rare look inside the creative process of West Side Story and will showcases the enormous collaboration involved in making this musical.

The West Side Story exhibit is broken up into four sections that showcase the creative process. There is "Birth of a Musical," "On 'The Rumble' and 'Somewhere'," "Letters from Bernstein," and "The Legacy of West Side Story."

The exhibit features numerous one-of-a-kind artifacts withing each section. The "Birth of a Musical" includes Bernstein's annotated copy of Romeo & Juliet, audition notes, opening night telegrams and much more. "On 'The Rumble' and 'Somewhere'" features items such as choreographic sketches of 'The Rumble,' 'Somewhere' music manuscript and set designs for the 'Somewhere' ballet. The "Letters from Bernstein" exhibit showcases correspondances between Bernstein and his wife Felica during the process of writing West Side Story. "The Legacy of West Side Story" shows off a poster for the 1968 Revival at Lincoln Center, Carol Lawrence's Ballet Slippers from the "Somewhere Ballet" and much more.

For more info on the artifacts that will be on display at The West Side Story exhibit visit here.