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West Side Story 1957 - Articles Page 2

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 2

What Was the Golden Age of Broadway?
by Team BWW - Feb 19, 2022


We're studying up on musical theatre's most glorious time- the Golden Age. What was the Golden Age of Broadway all about and what years did it cover? Learn all about the period which began in the 1940s and produced some of the most iconic musicals.

WATCH: Library of Congress Releases Unseen Stephen Sondheim Interviews
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 2, 2022


The Library of Congress has released hours of previously unseen interviews with late composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim discusses Into the Woods, Assassins,  Sunday in the Park With George, Sweeney Todd and more. 

MOMENTS A Musical Celebration of Stephen Sondheim Announced at Trinity Street Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 20, 2022


City Theatre Austin presents a special one-weekend performance event honoring Stephen Sondheim - the giant, the genius, who revolutionized musical theatre as its most influential writer and composer.

Ellen's Stardust Diner to Honor Stephen Sondheim
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 20, 2022


Ellen’s Stardust Diner will honor the late Broadway legend, composer Stephen Sondheim, with Monday in the Diner with Sondheim on January 24th, from 7-11pm.

Sondheim Songs Weave Tale Of Love In ICT's MARRY ME A LITTLE
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 4, 2022


International City Theatre pays tribute to the late, great Stephen Sondheim, kicking off its 37th season with Marry Me A Little. A must-see for Sondheim aficionados, this bittersweet musical two-hander, which weaves 17 of Sondheim's lesser-known songs into a tale of love and loneliness, was first conceived and developed by Craig Lucas and Norman René.

GOLFUS DE ROMA celebra 100 funciones con un homenaje a Sondheim
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Dec 22, 2021


El musical protagonizado por Carlos Latre se representa en el Teatro La Latina de Madrid hasta el 16 de enero.

GOLFUS DE ROMA celebra 100 funciones con un homenaje a Sondheim
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Dec 20, 2021


La compañía ofrecerá un concierto tributo al autor del musical fallecido en noviembre este miércoles después de la función.

Porchlight's 2022 CHICAGO SINGS Concert Honors The Legendary Stephen Sondheim, May 23
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 14, 2021


Porchlight Music Theatre has announced Chicago Sings Stephen Sondheim, its annual fundraising concert,  Monday, May 23, 2022 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. 

NY1's ON STAGE to Honor Stephen Sondheim With Nathan Lane, Donna Murphy & More
by Michael Major - Dec 3, 2021


On Stage will take a look back at the incredible life and career of legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, including tributes from members of the Broadway community such as Nathan Lane, Josh Groban, Mandy Patinkin, Donna Murphy, Laura Benanti, Joanna Gleason, Lonny Price, Raul Esparza and Michael Cerveris.

VIDEO: Sondheim Talks WEST SIDE STORY Creative Process in 60 MINUTES Clip
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 1, 2021


In 2020, Stephen Sondheim talked to 60 Minutes' Bill Whitaker about the different creative processes he experienced on his first Broadway musical, 'West Side Story.' 

Social Roundup: 31 Most Meaningful Sondheim Lyrics
by Taylor Brethauer-Hamling - Dec 3, 2021


The theater community around the world is mourning the loss of legend Stephen Sondheim after his passing on November 26, 2021. We asked our readers which Sondheim lyric meant the most to them and why. Read their answers here.

Broadway Community Reacts to Stephen Sondheim's Passing
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 26, 2021


In the wake of Stephen Sondheim's passing, there has been an outpouring of grief from the Broadway community and beyond. Read them all here.

Musical Theatre Icon Stephen Sondheim Passes Away at 91
by Robert Diamond - Nov 26, 2021


Broadway icon Stephen Sondheim has passed away age 91.  The legendary composer is widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential, and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history.

What We Know So Far (and What We Don't) About Stephen Sondheim's New Musical
by Team BWW - Sep 17, 2021


Broadway lovers had reason to rejoice this week when the industry's most beloved composer, Stephen Sondheim, announced that he has a new musical in the works. What do we know so far about Stephen Sondheim's new project? Let's review!

VIDEO: Stephen Sondheim Talks New Musical and Reveals the Title on THE LATE SHOW
by Stephi Wild - Sep 16, 2021


Stephen Sondheim appeared as a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night! Sondheim and Colbert have history, as Colbert starred in the 2011 production of Sondheim's musical, Company.

Stephen Sondheim Will Appear on THE LATE SHOW Next Week
by Stephi Wild - Sep 11, 2021


Stephen Sondheim is coming to The Late Show! The Broadway legend will sit down with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday, September 15.

UN DÍA COMO HOY: nacía Arthur Laurents
by Nuria Pedret - Jul 14, 2021


En el aniversario del dramaturgo estadounidense, queremos repasar su biografía así como sus obras más destacadas

Brian Cheney and Cathy Venable's 'Composer Series' Will Continue With a Tribute to Stephen Sondheim
by Stephi Wild - May 17, 2021


Critically acclaimed artists Brian Cheney and Cathy Venable, performing together virtually from their homes for the last 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, have launched their latest concert series on Stageit entitled “Composer Series”.

Broadway Treasure Stephen Sondheim Reveals He's Fully Vaccinated
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 9, 2021


Everybody's got the right... to be vaccinated. On last night's reunion of the original company of Assassins, beloved Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim, who turns 91 later this month, revealed that he is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

BWW Blog: An Introduction to Musical Theatre
by Student Blogger: Izzi Diaz - Nov 20, 2020


“Write about the best musicals that someone like me, who knows nothing about theatre, should get into first.'

Chicago Phil Brass Quintet Returns to North Shore Center for OUT BACK SUMMER SESSION
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 7, 2020


On October 11, Chicago Phil Chamber returns for its second outdoor, socially-distanced concert of the season, Chicago Phil Brass, in the parking lot of the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie .

Chicago Philharmonic Fall Programming Starts October 4
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 24, 2020


Chicago Philharmonic's 31st Season: Together safely brings beloved symphonic and chamber music to Chicagoans of all ages and backgrounds in virtual Fall a?oeHear it Togethera?? series and two socially-distanced, outdoor chamber concerts.

VIDEO: On This Day, September 15 - Henry Miller's Theater Renamed For Stephen Sondheim
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 15, 2020


The renaming of the theatre was dedicated to Stephen Sondheim, the greatest and best known artist in American musical theatre on his 80th birthday. 

The Drama Desk Awards to Posthumously Honor Hal Prince with Namesake Lifetime Achievement Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2020


The 65th Annual Drama Desk Awards will celebrate the life and legacy of American theater producer and director Harold 'Hal' Prince with the Drama Desk's newly established lifetime achievement honor.

VIDEO: Melissa Errico, Raul Esparza, and Adam Gopnik Explore Sondheim On FINISHING THE HAT
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2020


On May 9 (7:30pm) PBS Poetry in America will air 'Finishing The Hat' - Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim is widely hailed as the greatest modern American musical theater composer.

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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