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West Side Story 1957 - Articles Page 5

Ages: 12+
Opened: September 26, 1957

West Side Story - 1957 Broadway History , Info & More


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.


West Side Story - 1957 - Broadway Cast

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West Side Story - 1957 - Broadway Articles Page 5

Find Out Why Broadway's Brightest Stars Love Stephen Sondheim!
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 19, 2015


On March 22, musical theatre legend Stephen Sondheim will celebrate his 85th birthday, and Buzzfeed has reached out to some of Broadway's finest to find out why they love his work. Barbra Streisand said:

Beware the Ides of March with 15 Shakespeare Showtunes
by Matt Tamanini - Mar 15, 2015


'If music be the food of love, play on.' Even before the invention of the musical comedy (more on that later), William Shakespeare knew the importance of music in telling stories on stage. For our March feature, my colleague Jeff Walker and I thought that instead of marking the Ides of March with songs about murder, betrayal, and fate, we would focus on the synergy between showtunes and Shakespeare.

Broadway's Chita Rivera Comes to The Alden in McLean Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Feb 24, 2015


Come celebrate the one and only Broadway legend CHITA RIVERA in a unique solo concert event, coming to The Alden in McLean for one night only tonight, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Broadway's Chita Rivera Comes to The Alden in McLean, 2/24
by Tyler Peterson - Jan 27, 2015


Come celebrate the one and only Broadway legend CHITA RIVERA in a unique solo concert event, coming to The Alden in McLean for one night only on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Stephen Sondheim to Accept Arden Theatre Company's First-Ever Master Storyteller Award This Summer
by BWW News Desk - Jan 21, 2015


Arden Theatre Company announces composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim as the first recipient of the new Master Storyteller Award. Sondheim will be present to accept the award at a ticketed award ceremony and concert, on Monday, June 1st, at a fundraising event that benefits the Arden's extensive educational and outreach programs.

Broadway's Chita Rivera Comes to The Alden in McLean, 2/24
by BWW News Desk - Jan 15, 2015


Come celebrate the one and only Broadway legend CHITA RIVERA in a unique solo concert event, coming to The Alden in McLean for one night only on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

FLASH SPECIAL: Sondheim By The Decade, Part 1 - 1950s & 1960s
by Pat Cerasaro - Dec 24, 2014


The feature film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's beloved fairy tale musical INTO THE WOODS is coming to movie theaters nationwide on Christmas Day and BroadwayWorld celebrates the man behind the music and lyrics with a new series highlighting the work of the iconic composer and lyricist, kicking off today with a look at his work in the 1950s and 1960s.

Chita Rivera Coming to The Alden in McLean in February
by Tyler Peterson - Dec 5, 2014


Come celebrate the one and only Broadway legend CHITA RIVERA in a unique solo concert event celebrating her 80th Birthday, coming to The Alden in McLean for one night only on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and more information at www.aldentheatre.org or 703-790-0123.

David Benedict Will Write New Sondheim Biography- HOW DID IT HAPPEN
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 1, 2014


According to Variety, London theatre critic David Benedict will soon pen a new Stephen Sondheim biography for Random House, titled: "How Did It Happen: The Life and Career of Stephen Sondheim." The book will include interviews withe the man himself, as well as information gathered from his frequent collaborators. Random House expects Benedict's first daft by December 2017.

Fiasco Theater's INTO THE WOODS Extends Through August at The Old Globe
by BWW News Desk - Jul 28, 2014


The Old Globe today announced additional performances for the second production of the 2014 Summer Season, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony Award-winning musical Into the Woods, which made its World Premiere at The Old Globe in 1986. The production is an inventive reimagining by Fiasco Theater, directed by Noah Brody and Ben Steinfeld, in a production that originated at McCarter Theatre Center. By popular demand, it will now play through Sunday, August 17. Tickets for the extension will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, July 29 at noon.

San Francisco Playhouse Presents INTO THE WOODS, Now thru 9/6
by BWW News Desk - Jun 24, 2014


San Francisco Playhouse (Artistic Director Bill English & Producing Director Susi Damilano) concludes its provocative eleventh season with Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine (book). The production runs today, June 24th to September 6th, 2014, with an official opening set for June 28.

San Francisco Playhouse to Present INTO THE WOODS, 6/24-9/6
by Tyler Peterson - May 28, 2014


San Francisco Playhouse (Artistic Director Bill English & Producing Director Susi Damilano) concludes its provocative eleventh season with Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine (book). The production runs June 24th to September 6th, 2014, with an official opening set for June 28.

Broadway Legend Chita Rivera Hosts GMHC's Spring 2014 Gala Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Mar 26, 2014


Today, Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), the nation's oldest AIDS service organization, announces the sensational news that its annual dinner gala will be hosted by the award-winning actress, singer and dancer, Chita Rivera, and held at Cipriani 42nd Street, tonight, March 26, 2014. A revered Broadway legend, Ms. Rivera is not a stranger to GMHC. In 2004, she starred in GMHC's benefit concert, 'Showstoppers,' featuring 20 Broadway stars performing their signature numbers at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.

BWW Contests: Win Tickets to Tarragon's MARRY ME A LITTLE
by Alan Henry - Mar 11, 2014


I am very pleased to announce a brand new BroadwayWorld Toronto contest! I'll be giving away two tickets to a performance of Tarragon Theatre's Marry Me a Little for the evening performance on March 25, 2014. To enter the contest, please send an email to torontocontest@broadwayworld.com with your favorite Stephen Sondheim show and song. Entries missing the show and song will be discarded.

Broadway Legend Chita Rivera to Host GMHC's Spring 2014 Gala, 3/26
by BWW News Desk - Mar 5, 2014


Today, Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), the nation's oldest AIDS service organization, announces the sensational news that its annual dinner gala will be hosted by the award-winning actress, singer and dancer, Chita Rivera, and held at Cipriani 42nd Street, on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. A revered Broadway legend, Ms. Rivera is not a stranger to GMHC. In 2004, she starred in GMHC's benefit concert, 'Showstoppers,' featuring 20 Broadway stars performing their signature numbers at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.

VIDEO: Broadway Star Chita Rivera Talks Tour, History-Making Career and More on TAVIS SMILEY
by TV News Desk - Jan 30, 2014


Popular PBS broadcaster Tavis Smiley interviewed Chita Rivera on his program yesterday, January 29, and you can watch the full appearance below, in which Rivera reflects on her history-making career!

BWW Interview: Triple Threat Icon Chita Rivera Talks Her Show at Valley Performing Arts Center and the Joys of Her Career
by Don Grigware - Jan 15, 2014


Triple threat Broadway legend Chita Rivera will bring her iconic class and showmanship to the Valley Performing Arts Center January 25 for one performance only at 8 pm. In our chat she tells us a little bit about the new show and talks in great detail about the joys of her career.

Chita Rivera to Bring 80th Birthday Celebration to Bay Area Cabaret, 2/23
by BWW News Desk - Jan 9, 2014


Bay Area Cabaret presents the one and only Broadway legend Chita Rivera in a unique solo concert event celebrating her 80th Birthday: CHITA: A LEGENDARY CELEBRATION. The nine-time Tony nominee, two-time Tony Award winner (Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Rink) and first Hispanic woman ever to receive the Kennedy Center Honor, will share perspectives and recreate signature moments from her legendary career.

Chita Rivera to Bring 80th Birthday Concert to Harris Center for the Arts on 2/24
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 7, 2014


Come celebrate the one and only Broadway legend Chita Rivera in a unique solo concert event celebrating her 80th Birthday, coming to the intimate Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. Direct from her sold-out smash concert in New York, the multiple Tony Award winner will recreate signature moments from her legendary career including numbers from West Side Story; Sweet Charity; Chicago; Kiss of the Spider Woman; Bye, Bye, Birdie and The Rink. In addition to a special tribute to her dear friends John Kander & Fred Ebb, the timeless music of Leonard Bernstein, Charles Strouse, Jerry Herman and Stephen Sondheim will also be featured, with live orchestral accompaniment by the Folsom Symphony, conducted by Michael Croiter.

Photo Coverage: Chita Rivera Returns to the Stage in Style in CHITA: A LEGENDARY CELEBRATION!
by Walter McBride - Oct 8, 2013


Last night, October 7, Broadway ledgend Chita Rivera returned to the stage in Chita: A Legendary Celebration, which was produced by and benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The evening featured the Tony Award-winning Rivera, accompanied by an onstage orchestra, revisiting songs from her pantheon of Broadway hits, including Kander & Ebb's Chicago and Kiss of the Spider Woman, West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie and other surprises. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from inside the special concert below!

Photo Coverage: Chita Rivera Celebrates 80th Birthday On Stage with Ben Vereen and Tommy Tune; Inside the After Party!
by Walter McBride - Oct 8, 2013


Last night, October 7, Broadway ledgend Chita Rivera returned to the stage in Chita: A Legendary Celebration, which was produced by and benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The evening featured the Tony Award-winning Rivera, accompanied by an onstage orchestra, revisiting songs from her pantheon of Broadway hits, including Kander & Ebb's Chicago and Kiss of the Spider Woman, West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie and other surprises. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the after party below!

CHITA: A LEGENDARY CELEBRATION Announces $40 Rush Tickets
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 4, 2013


An extremely limited number of $40 rush tickets to the spectacular benefit concert honoring and starring Chita Rivera will be released for sale at 6:30 pm Monday, October 7, 2013.

Chita Rivera-Led THE VISIT Heading to Broadway in 2014 Following Williamstown Tryout?
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 2, 2013


On October 7, Broadway legend Chita Rivera will return to the stage in a special 80th Birthday concert benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and according to a recent interview with the Huffington Post, that's not the only thing on the triple threat's plate coming up. Rivera revealed that the Kander and Ebb musical The Visit might be heading to Broadway in 2014, following a tryout in Williamstown, Massachusetts.

The School of Music to Present SCENA SHAKESPEAREAN: SCENES BY THE BARD, 10/4-5
by Tyler Peterson - Sep 16, 2013


The School of Music presents Scena Shakespearean: Scenes by the Bard, directed by A. Scott Parry, on Friday, October 4, and Saturday, October 5, at 7:30 pm in Roy Bowen Theatre, Drake Performance and Event Center, 1849 Cannon Dr.

Breaking News: Tommy Tune and Ben Vereen to Join Chita Rivera in Birthday Benefit Concert for BC/EFA!
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 16, 2013


Tony Award winners Tommy Tune and Ben Vereen will join theatrical icon Chita Rivera in a spectacular benefit concert honoring and starring Rivera as she celebrates her 80th birthday. Chita: A Legendary Celebration will play the August Wilson Theatre (245 West 52 Street, New York City) at 8 pm on Monday, October 7, 2013. The one-night-only performance will be produced by and benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

West Side Story History

Other Productions of West Side Story

1957   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1958   West End London Production
West End
1959   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
1960   Broadway Return Engagement [Broadway]
Broadway
1964   Broadway City Center Revival
Broadway
1968   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1980   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1991   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
1992   Regional (UK) Regional Revival
Regional (UK)
1998   West End London Revival
West End
2006   Houston, TX (Regional) Theatre Under the Stars Production
Houston, TX (Regional)
2009   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2010   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
2015   Washington, DC (Regional) Signature Theatre Production
Washington, DC (Regional)
2018   Washington, DC (Regional) National Symphony Orchestra Concert Revival
Washington, DC (Regional)
2018   Regional (US) 100th Birthday Celebration Revival Production
Regional (US)
2020   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway

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