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West Side Story 1957 - Articles Page 6

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 6

Arthur Laurents' NYC Townhouse on the Market for $12M
by Arielle Ozery - Sep 9, 2013


Playwright Arthur Laurents lived in a beautiful townhouse on Saint Luke's Place until 2006. According to Curbed, his former home has been on and off the market since the middle of 2012, upon first entering the market it was asking $35000 a month and then it drastically reduced its price to $18,000 a month. According to StreetEasy, the owners are not ready to give up landlording and sell the house. The 4,368 square-foot, 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom home is asking $12 million.

STAGE TUBE: Stephen Sondheim Talks SWEENEY, Songwriting & More on PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND
by Tyler Peterson - Sep 8, 2013


Master composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim appeared on this evening's new edition of PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND. Sondheim's interview with PBS' chief correspondent for arts, culture, and society Jeffrey Brown, featured his thoughts on SWEENEY TODD, songwriting, and a BroadwayWorld mention! Check out his entire appearance below!

STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek at Stephen Sondheim on PBS NEWSHOUR, Set to Air 9/8
by Stage Tube - Sep 6, 2013


Master composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim will appear on September 8th on the new edition of PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND. Below, check out a new sneak peek at Sondheim's interview with PBS' chief correspondent for arts, culture, and society Jeffrey Brown!

Stephen Sondheim & Wynton Marsalis Collaboration, A BED AND A CHAIR: A NEW YORK LOVE AFFAIR to Play City Center in November
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 15, 2013


Stephen Sondheim and Wynton Marsalis will collaborate on A BED AND A CHAIR: A New York Love Affair, a new musical event featuring Sondheim's music arranged and performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. This Encores! Special Event, directed by frequent Sondheim collaborator John Doyle, with choreography by Parker Esse and musical supervision by David Loud, was conceived by Peter Gethers, Jack Viertel and John Doyle, and will run for seven performances, November 13 - 17 at City Center.

Stephen Sondheim to Receive 54th Edward MacDowell Medal Today
by BWW News Desk - Aug 11, 2013


The MacDowell Colony will award composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with its 54th Edward MacDowell Medal today, August 11. The MacDowell Colony, the nation's first artist residency program, has awarded the medal annually since 1960 to an individual artist who has made an outstanding contribution to his or her field. This year marks the first time a luminary has been chosen from the realm of musical theatre and Sondheim's generous offering of his talents to the stage made him a clear choice.

Stephen Sondheim to Be Awarded 54th Edward MacDowell Medal on 8/11
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 16, 2013


The MacDowell Colony will award composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with its 54th Edward MacDowell Medal on Sunday, August 11. The MacDowell Colony, the nation's first artist residency program, has awarded the medal annually since 1960 to an individual artist who has made an outstanding contribution to his or her field. This year marks the first time a luminary has been chosen from the realm of musical theatre and Sondheim's generous offering of his talents to the stage made him a clear choice.

CHITA: A LEGENDARY CELEBRATION to Open at August Wilson Theatre for One-Night Only on October 7
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 10, 2013


BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS announced today that CHITA: A LEGENDARY CELEBRATION has found its Broadway home. The star-studded benefit concert celebrating and starring the legendary Chita Rivera 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 in honor of Rivera's 80th birthday will be produced by and benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Photo Flash: Chita Rivera Receives 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from Boston Theater Critics Association
by Kelsey Denette - May 14, 2013


The Boston Theater Critics Association (BTCA) previously announced that Broadway icon Chita Rivera will be the recipient of the 2013 Elliot Norton Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's awards ceremony set for last night, May 13 at the Paramount Center, 559 Washington Street, Boston.

Chita Rivera Receives 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from Boston Theater Critics Association Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 13, 2013


The Boston Theater Critics Association (BTCA) previously announced that Broadway icon Chita Rivera will be the recipient of the 2013 Elliot Norton Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's awards ceremony set for tonight, May 13 (7pm) at the Paramount Center, 559 Washington Street, Boston.

Stephen Sondheim & Wynton Marsalis to Collaborate on A BED AND A CHAIR Concert at New York City Center, Nov. 13-17
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 18, 2013


Stephen Sondheim and Wynton Marsalis will collaborate on A BED AND A CHAIR: A New York Love Story, a new musical event featuring Sondheim's music arranged and performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, announced Arlene Shuler, President & CEO of New York City Center. This Encores! Special Event, directed by frequent Sondheim collaborator John Doyle, and conceived by Peter Gethers, Jack Viertel and John Doyle, will run for seven performances, November 13 - 17 at City Center. City Center's annual Gala Benefit will take place on Thursday, November 14 and will include a post-performance dinner at the Plaza Hotel.

Chita Rivera, Clive Davis, Tom Viola and More Set for Broadway's Marty Richards Memorial at Edison Ballroom Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Apr 8, 2013


At 6:30pm, tonight, April 8th producer Marty Richards' feast of friends and loved ones will gather in celebration of his extremely accomplished life at The Edison Ballroom (240 West 47th Street) where they will be served a magnificent four-course dinner and be entertained by a star-studded retrospective of show-stopping numbers from Mr. Richards' acclaimed Broadway musicals including Chicago, On The Twentieth Century, The Life, Grand Hotel, Sweeney Todd, La Cage Aux Folles, Sweet Smell Of Success, The Will Rogers Follies and Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life.

Chita Rivera to Receive 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from Boston Theater Critics Association, 5/13
by BWW News Desk - Apr 3, 2013


The Boston Theater Critics Association (BTCA) is pleased to announce Broadway icon CHITA RIVERA will be the recipient of the 2013 Elliot Norton Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's awards ceremony set for Monday May 13 (7pm) at the Paramount Center, 559 Washington Street, Boston.

Chita Rivera, Clive Davis, Tom Viola and More Set for Broadway's Marty Richards Memorial at Edison Ballroom, 4/8
by BWW News Desk - Mar 30, 2013


At 6:30pm, on Monday, April 8th producer Marty Richards' feast of friends and loved ones will gather in celebration of his extremely accomplished life at The Edison Ballroom (240 West 47th Street) where they will be served a magnificent four-course dinner and be entertained by a star-studded retrospective of show-stopping numbers from Mr. Richards' acclaimed Broadway musicals including Chicago, On The Twentieth Century, The Life, Grand Hotel, Sweeney Todd, La Cage Aux Folles, Sweet Smell Of Success, The Will Rogers Follies and Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life.

Andrew Lloyd Webber Would Love to Collaborate with Stephen Sondheim
by BWW News Desk - Sep 22, 2012


According to a feature about the new UK arena touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar in the Sydney Morning Herald, Andrew Lloyd Webber reveals he would like to collaborate with Stephen Sondheim.

Chita Rivera Brings 'MY BROADWAY' Concert to New Jersey Tonight, 5/19
by BWW News Desk - May 19, 2012


For the very first time, two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera brings her concert, Chita Rivera: MY BROADWAY, to The New Jersey Performing Arts Center in the intimate setting of The Chase Room and performs songs from her legendary Broadway career. She will perform two shows only at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM. All tickets are $50 (general admission) and can be ordered by calling 1-888-GO-NJPAC or at www.njpac.org. NJPAC is located at 1 Center Street in Newark, N.J.

Chita Rivera Brings 'MY BROADWAY' Concert to New Jersey, May 19
by BWW News Desk - May 7, 2012


For the very first time, two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera brings her concert, CHITA RIVERA: MY BROADWAY, to The New Jersey Performing Arts Center in the intimate setting of The Chase Room and will perform songs from her legendary Broadway career. She will perform two shows only at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM. All tickets are $50 (general admission) and can be ordered by calling 1-888-GO-NJPAC or at www.njpac.org. NJPAC is located at 1 Center Street in Newark, N.J.

INTO THE WOODS Opens Westport County Playhouse's 2012 Season
by Kelsey Denette - Apr 3, 2012


A 25th anniversary production of the imaginative, fractured-fairy tale musical "Into the Woods" by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim will be staged at the theater where Sondheim was an apprentice in 1950, Westport Country Playhouse, in Westport, CT, May 1 through May 26. Directed by Mark Lamos, the Playhouse's artistic director, the musical will open the historic theater's 82nd season. It is co-produced with Baltimore's CENTERSTAGE.

AUDIO: Vintage Stephen Sondheim Interview from IN THE ROOM
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 27, 2012


The Dramatists Guild of America presents its In the Room series, broadcasting archived audio, unheard by the public since their original recording. In the Room features some of the most influential and celebrated playwrights, composers and lyricists in American theatre, sharing their insight to craft, process and personal stories behind creating some of their most celebrated work. Featured this week is a vintage interview with theatre legend Stephen Sondheim as he chats about lyrics back in 1971.

Photo Flash: Chita Rivera Visits SILENCE! THE MUSICAL
by Gabrielle Sierra - Feb 7, 2012


Chita Rivera attended SILENCE! The Musical at P.S. 122 this past Thursday, February 2nd, and she remained afterwards to praise the cast and pose for photos.

Chita Rivera & John Cullum to Headline THE VISIT Actors' Fund Broadway Concert - November 30
by Robert Diamond - Oct 14, 2011


The Actors Fund and the Vineyard Theatre have announced details for their upcoming one-night-only benefit concert performance of Kander & Ebb's THE VISIT, starring Broadway stage legends and Tony Award winners Chita Rivera and John Cullum. Directed by Carl Andress with choreography by Tony Award winner Ann Reinking and musical direction by David Loud, the performance will take place on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at Broadway's Ambassador Theatre (219 West 49th Street), current home to the celebrated revival of Kander & Ebb's worldwide smash Chicago.

CHITA RIVERA: MY BROADWAY Comes To Bristol Riverside Theater 9/23-25
by BWW News Desk - Sep 23, 2011


Bristol Riverside Theatre presents two-Time Tony Award winner CHITA RIVERA performing songs from her legendary Broadway career in CHITA RIVERA: MY BROADWAY on September 23-25.

CHITA RIVERA: MY BROADWAY Comes To Bristol Riverside Theater 9/23-25
by Gabrielle Sierra - Aug 4, 2011


Bristol Riverside Theatre presents two-Time Tony Award winner CHITA RIVERA performing songs from her legendary Broadway career in CHITA RIVERA: MY BROADWAY on September 23-25.

Chita Rivera On Stage in Sydney 6/22
by Lauren Wolman - Apr 3, 2011


Two-Time Tony Award winner CHITA RIVERA will perform songs from her legendary Broadway career with an intimate evening of music in CHITA RIVERA: MY BROADWAY coming to Sydney and playing the York Theatre at the Seymour Centre on the 22 June 2011 at 8pm. Accompanied by her longtime musical director Michael Croiter on percussion and guitar, Michael Patrick Walker on the piano, and Dave Ellis on the Double Bass. Ms. Rivera will perform selections from her most celebrated musicals, including numbers from West Side Story ('America'), Sweet Charity ('Where Am I Going?' and 'Big Spender'), Chicago ('All That Jazz' and 'Nowadays'), Kiss of the Spider Woman, Bye, Bye, Birdie and The Rink, and featuring the music of Leonard Bernstein, John Kander & Fred Ebb, Charles Strouse, Stephen Sondheim and Cy Coleman among others.

Chita Rivera Given LPTW's Lifetime Achievement Award 12/9
by BWW News Desk - Dec 9, 2010


The League of Professional Theatre Women presents its 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors women exhibiting exemplary service to the theatre, to two-time Tony Award®-winning actress/singer/dancer Chita Rivera. The award will be presented by her daughter, singer/dancer/choreographer Lisa Mordente, at the League's December 2010 Awards Luncheon.

Chita Rivera Returns To Birdland 11/26-27
by BWW News Desk - Nov 26, 2010


The legendary CHITA RIVERA returns to Birdland (315 West 44 Street) for four shows only Friday, November 26 and Saturday, November 27 at 8:30PM and 11:30 PM.

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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