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West Side Story 1957 - Articles Page 9

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 9

CHITA RIVERA: My Broadway Plays The Van Wezel 1/20/2010
by Gabrielle Sierra - Dec 22, 2009


Two-Time Tony Award winner CHITA RIVERA will perform songs from her legendary Broadway career in her own concert CHITA RIVERA: MY BROADWAY coming to The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30-$45 (with limited 'smart seats' available at $10).

NY Philharmonic's Star Studded SONDHEIM: THE BIRTHDAY CONCERT to Feature LuPone, Peters, Cerveris, Patinkin, McDonald, and More, 3/15 & 3/16
by Jeff Dennhardt - Nov 16, 2009


The New York Philharmonic will present SONDHEIM: The Birthday Concert on March 15 and Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. This celebration of the 80th birthday of the great Broadway and film composer/lyricist will include his most enduring orchestral music and songs - performed, in some cases, by the stars of the original Broadway cast productions - in addition to rarely-heard material. Joining the celebration will be (in alphabetical order) Michael Cerveris, Victoria Clark, Jason Danieley, Nathan Gunn, George Hearn, Patti LuPone, Marin Mazzie, Audra McDonald, Donna Murphy, Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, and others to be announced, including surprise guests. Paul Gemignani, Mr. Sondheim's longtime collaborator, will conduct the New York Philharmonic; Lonny Price is the director; and Mr. Price and Matt Cowart are the producers.

Stephen Sondheim Chats About Influences, Opera and 'Night Music'
by Robert Diamond - Nov 15, 2009


Stephen Sondheim chatted with Mark Stryker of the Detroit Free Press about a wide variety of topics including his musical language, his favorite classical composers and how he feels about opera companies performing his work. Click here for the full interview.

BYE BYE BIRDIE Flashback Interview: Chita Rivera
by Eddie Varley - Nov 10, 2009


The incomparable Chita Rivera released a new solo studio album entitled And Now I Swing on October 13, 2009 from the newly-launched Yellow Sound Label. From classic theater songs to jazz standards, all tracks featured on this new album have received new arrangements recorded by New York's finest musicians, reimagining some of Chita's favorite tunes. BroadwayWorld.com checked in with the legendary star

Stephen Sondheim In Negotiations for Film Adaptations of FOLLIES, 'WOODS'
by Eddie Varley - Nov 8, 2009


Nine time Tony Award winner Stephen Sondheim will hold an onstage discussion about his life and works at Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin, Texas.

Sondheim to Hold Onstage Discussion at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 10/24
by BWW News Desk - Oct 24, 2009


9-time Tony Award winner Stephen Sondheim will hold an onstage discussion about his life and works at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts on Saturday, October 24th. Sondheim will sit down with host Peter Stein as part of the Copperfield's Books Renowned Speakers Series.

Stephen Sondheim Featured in San Francisco Chronicle
by Eddie Varley - Oct 20, 2009


Nine time Tony Award winner Stephen Sondheim will hold an onstage discussion about his life and works at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts on Saturday, October 24th. Sondheim will sit down with host Peter Stein as part of the Copperfield's Books Renowned Speakers Series.

Photo Flash: Release of CHITA RIVERA AND NOW I SWING
by Gabrielle Sierra - Oct 20, 2009


The incomparable Chita Rivera releases a new solo studio album entitled And Now I Swing on October 13, 2009 from the newly-launched Yellow Sound Label. From classic theater songs to jazz standards, all tracks featured on this new album have received new arrangements recorded by New York's finest musicians, reimagining some of Chita's favorite tunes.

Sondheim to Hold Onstage Discussion at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 10/24
by Jeff Dennhardt - Oct 19, 2009


9-time Tony Award winner Stephen Sondheim will hold an onstage discussion about his life and works at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts on Saturday, October 24th. Sondheim will sit down with host Peter Stein as part of the Copperfield's Books Renowned Speakers Series.

Chita Rivera Will Return To Birdland October 14-17
by BWW News Desk - Oct 17, 2009


Two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera will return to Birdland (315 West 44 Street, NYC) to in October of this year.

Chita Rivera Will Return To Birdland October 14-17
by BWW News Desk - Oct 16, 2009


Two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera will return to Birdland (315 West 44 Street, NYC) to in October of this year.

Chita Rivera Will Return To Birdland October 14-17
by BWW News Desk - Oct 15, 2009


Two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera will return to Birdland (315 West 44 Street, NYC) to in October of this year.

Chita Rivera Performs at Birdland, 10/14 - 10/17
by BWW News Desk - Oct 14, 2009


The legendary CHITA RIVERA will perform at Birdland for six shows only Wednesday, October 14 through Saturday, October 17. The show will feature the multi-Tony Award-winning Broadway star performing 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') and The Rink ('Chief Cook and Bottle Washer') and more. Ms. Rivera will be accompanied by a six-piece band led by music director Michael Croiter that includes Andy Ezrin, Jim Donica, Entcho Todorov, Charlie Pillow, Trevor Nuemann.

Chita Rivera Will Return To Birdland October 14-17
by BWW News Desk - Oct 14, 2009


Two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera will return to Birdland (315 West 44 Street, NYC) to in October of this year.

Chita Rivera's Solo Album 'And Now I Swing' Arrives in Stores Today, 10/13
by BWW News Desk - Oct 13, 2009


'And Now I Swing,' the latest solo recording project of the inimitable Tony Award winner Chita Rivera arrives in stores today, October 13. From classic theatre songs to jazz standards, this new album pays homage to Chita's stage legacy while also displaying her passion for jazz. All tracks featured on this album have received new arrangements recorded by New York's finest musicians, reimagining some of Chita's favorite tunes.

Groener, McGrath, Scalera & More Star In Sondheim's PUTTING IT TOGETHER At SCR 9/11-10/11
by BWW News Desk - Oct 11, 2009


South Coast Repertory kicks off the 2009-10 Season with Putting It Together, a compilation of Stephen Sondheim songs, that the composer put together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, creating a narrative set at a cocktail party in an elegant Manhattan condo. The non-traditional musical, led by Broadway and television star Harry Groener, has a cast of five (a glamorous but slightly jaded couple, a starry-eyed younger couple and a savvy observer) who sing more than 30 songs that reflect their lives, lifestyles and moods of the moment. Some of the songs will be familiar, some less so, a few were even cut from their original musical scores, but they are all sophisticated, smart and drop-dead droll. All, in other words, Sondheim.

Chita Rivera Performs at Birdland, 10/14 - 10/17
by Jessica Lewis - Oct 5, 2009


The legendary CHITA RIVERA will perform at Birdland for six shows only Wednesday, October 14 through Saturday, October 17. The show will feature the multi-Tony Award-winning Broadway star performing 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') and The Rink ('Chief Cook and Bottle Washer') and more. Ms. Rivera will be accompanied by a six-piece band led by music director Michael Croiter that includes Andy Ezrin, Jim Donica, Entcho Todorov, Charlie Pillow, Trevor Nuemann.

Chita Rivera's New CD 'AND NOW I SWING' Set For 10/13 Release
by BWW News Desk - Oct 3, 2009


The incomparable Chita Rivera releases a new solo studio album entitled And Now I Swing on October 13, 2009 from the newly-launched Yellow Sound Label. From classic theater songs to jazz standards, all tracks featured on this new album have received new arrangements recorded by New York's finest musicians, reimagining some of Chita's favorite tunes.

Cook, Williams, Kritzer and Arden Will Sing SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM for Roundabout Broadway Premiere
by Eddie Varley - Oct 1, 2009


Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director) is proud to have Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine return to Studio 54 with Sondheim on Sondheim, a new original Broadway musical starring Barbara Cook, Vanessa Williams, Michael Arden & Leslie Kritzer. Music & lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim, conceived & directed by James Lapine. Sondheim on Sondheim will begin previews on March 19th, 2010 and open officially April 22nd, 2010 at Studio 54 on Broadway (254 West 54th Street). This will be a limited engagement through Sunday, June 13th, 2010.

Groener, McGrath, Scalera & More Star In Sondheim's PUTTING IT TOGETHER At SCR 9/11-10/11
by BWW News Desk - Sep 18, 2009


South Coast Repertory kicks off the 2009-10 Season with Putting It Together, a compilation of Stephen Sondheim songs, that the composer put together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, creating a narrative set at a cocktail party in an elegant Manhattan condo. The non-traditional musical, led by Broadway and television star Harry Groener, has a cast of five (a glamorous but slightly jaded couple, a starry-eyed younger couple and a savvy observer) who sing more than 30 songs that reflect their lives, lifestyles and moods of the moment. Some of the songs will be familiar, some less so, a few were even cut from their original musical scores, but they are all sophisticated, smart and drop-dead droll. All, in other words, Sondheim.

Groener, McGrath, Scalera & More Star In Sondheim's PUTTING IT TOGETHER At SCR 9/11-10/11
by BWW News Desk - Sep 11, 2009


South Coast Repertory kicks off the 2009-10 Season with Putting It Together, a compilation of Stephen Sondheim songs, that the composer put together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, creating a narrative set at a cocktail party in an elegant Manhattan condo. The non-traditional musical, led by Broadway and television star Harry Groener, has a cast of five (a glamorous but slightly jaded couple, a starry-eyed younger couple and a savvy observer) who sing more than 30 songs that reflect their lives, lifestyles and moods of the moment. Some of the songs will be familiar, some less so, a few were even cut from their original musical scores, but they are all sophisticated, smart and drop-dead droll. All, in other words, Sondheim.

Chita Rivera's New CD 'AND NOW I SWING' Set For 10/13 Release
by Eddie Varley - Sep 10, 2009


The incomparable Chita Rivera releases a new solo studio album entitled And Now I Swing on October 13, 2009 from the newly-launched Yellow Sound Label. From classic theater songs to jazz standards, all tracks featured on this new album have received new arrangements recorded by New York's finest musicians, reimagining some of Chita's favorite tunes.

Theatre Notables Sondheim, Ziegfield, Simon & More Amongst 'New York City 400'
by Robert Diamond - Sep 10, 2009


The NYC400 is the first-ever list of New York City's ultimate movers and shakers since the City's founding?from politics, the arts, business, sports, science, and entertainment.

Groener, McGrath, Scalera & More Star In Sondheim's PUTTING IT TOGETHER At SCR 9/11-10/11
by Charlie Piane - Aug 19, 2009


South Coast Repertory kicks off the 2009-10 Season with Putting It Together, a compilation of Stephen Sondheim songs, that the composer put together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, creating a narrative set at a cocktail party in an elegant Manhattan condo. The non-traditional musical, led by Broadway and television star Harry Groener, has a cast of five (a glamorous but slightly jaded couple, a starry-eyed younger couple and a savvy observer) who sing more than 30 songs that reflect their lives, lifestyles and moods of the moment. Some of the songs will be familiar, some less so, a few were even cut from their original musical scores, but they are all sophisticated, smart and drop-dead droll. All, in other words, Sondheim.

President Obama's Comments On Chita Rivera From Medal Of Freedom Ceremony
by Charlie Piane - Aug 12, 2009


Two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama during a special ceremony held today, August 12 at 3pm EST.

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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