West Side Story, a modern Romeo and Juliet set against the backdrop of gang violence, is a powerful and timeless musical. The music was composed by the legendary Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, a master of witty and insightful words. Arthur Laurents crafted the book, or script, breathing life into the characters and their struggles. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1957 and quickly garnered critical acclaim, winning a Tony Award for Best Musical.
The story unfolds on the tough streets of New York City. Two rival gangs, the Jets, a white American group, and the Sharks, a Puerto Rican group, clash over territory and simmering tensions. Maria, the sister of the Sharks' leader, and Tony, a former member of the Jets, fall passionately in love, oblivious to their gang affiliations. Their forbidden romance unfolds amidst the escalating violence between the Jets and the Sharks, leading to a tragic confrontation that shatters their dreams.
West Side Story's powerful music, with iconic songs like "Somewhere" and "America," combined with its poignant story and exploration of social issues, continues to resonate with audiences. The musical has been revived numerous times on Broadway and around the world, and a film adaptation won ten Academy Awards, solidifying its place as a classic of American musical theater.
Year | Category | |
---|---|---|
1958 | Best Musical | |
1980 | Best Revival | |
2009 | Best Revival of a Musical |
Videos
It's All Your Fault, Tyler Price!
The Hudson Theatre (11/7 - 12/15) | ||
Anatomy of Gray
Mira Costa High School (11/8 - 11/16)
PHOTOS
| ||
Strauss' Heroic Journey
Walt Disney Concert Hall (11/8 - 11/10) | ||
Leslie Odom, Jr. The Christmas Tour - Deck the Hall Holiday Concerts
Walt Disney Concert Hall (12/1 - 12/1) | ||
Angels In America
The Actors Company (11/8 - 11/17) LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN
PHOTOS
| ||
Star Wars in Concert John Williams Spotlight
Walt Disney Concert Hall (11/21 - 11/24) | ||
MOMologues The Musical
The Pico (11/14 - 11/15) | ||
Doug Aitken's Lightscape
Walt Disney Concert Hall (11/16 - 11/16) | ||
The Nutcracker
Royce Hall - UCLA (12/13 - 12/15) | ||
You Are Cordially Invited to the End of the World!
South Coast Repertory's Segerstrom Stage (4/5 - 5/3) | ||
Aperture Duo
Boston Court Performing Arts Center-Marjorie Branson Performance Space (10/27 - 11/16) | ||
Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical
Desert Theatreworks (12/6 - 12/29) | ||
VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW |
Recommended For You