News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

West Side Story 1957

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.


Get West Side Story Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

Games, Books, and Collectables Belonging to Stephen Sondheim Will Be Auctioned in June
by Nicole Rosky - May 23, 2024


Memorabilia includes his gold record for West Side Story, custom-embroidered asylum coat from Sweeney Todd and more, including antiques of the Victorian and Edwardian as well as early puzzles, games, rebuses, coin-operated machines and more.

Stephen Sondheim's Connecticut Home Sells for $3.25 Million
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 15, 2024


The home of late Broadway icon Stephen Sondheim, which BroadwayWorld previously reported was for sale, has sold for $3.25 million. Learn more!

Over 200 Lots of Stephen Sondheim Memorabilia to be Auctioned Off in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 11, 2024


 Doyle will be auctioning the Collection of Stephen Sondheim on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10am. Learn more about the auction and about Stephen Sondheim.

Bernadette Peters & Lea Salonga Will Lead STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS in LA and on Broadway
by Joshua Wright - Apr 8, 2024


Center Theatre Group (CTG) announced the North American premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, starring Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, and directed by Sir Matthew Bourne, playing at the Ahmanson Theatre from February 8—March 9, 2025. 

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 22, 2024
by - Mar 22, 2024


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 22, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Broadway Theatres to Dim Lights in Memory of Chita Rivera
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2024


The Broadway community will honor the memory of Chita Rivera by dimming the lights of Broadway theatres.

Stephen Sondheim's Manhattan Townhouse Sells To Fan For $7M
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 30, 2023


Stephen Sondheim's Manhattan home has been sold to a Sondheim fan!

Student Blog: Everybody Loves Shakespeare! (Whether They Know It Or Not)
by Student Blogger: Ellie Weaver - Nov 13, 2023


Shakespeare’s plays have been the inspiration for many beloved movies and musicals. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite movies and musicals that use the plot of various works by William Shakespeare. I encourage you to check out this list and see if you’ve been a secret fan of Shakespeare without even knowing it!

Stephen Sondheim's Connecticut Home Now For Sale
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 9, 2023


The Connecticut home of the legendary Stephen Sondheim is now for sale. See details about the home of the late Broadway icon.

Photos/Video: Go Inside Stephen Sondheim's $7M Manhattan Townhouse
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 11, 2023


Stephen Sondheim's Manhattan home is now for sale. The 7 bedroom, 3 bath townhouse in East Midtown has been listed by Michael J. Franco at Compass for $7M. 

Trinity Rep Presents SWEENEY TODD
by Stephi Wild - Apr 27, 2023


Trinity Repertory Company concludes its 2022-23 Season with the award-winning musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler. Directed by Curt Columbus, Sweeney Todd runs at Trinity Rep in the Dowling Theater from May 25 through June 25, 2023.

Merle Dandridge, Michael Hayden, Jodi Long & More to Star in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Pasadena Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 2, 2023


Pasadena Playhouse has announced the cast for the 50th anniversary production of A Little Night Music. See who is starring, and how to purchase tickets!

Graham Phillips & Krystina Alabado to Star in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at Pasadena Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 12, 2023


Pasadena Playhouse has announced the cast for Sunday in the Park with George, the first production of the theater’s six-month-long celebration of Stephen Sondheim. See performances dates and how to purchase tickets!

Alexandra Billings & Jane Kaczmarek to be Featured in INTO THE WOODS Presented by Pasadena Playhouse & P.U.S.D.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2023


In a landmark partnership, Pasadena Playhouse has been collaborating with all of the high schools of Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) over the past 6 months to realize the students’ vision of Into the Woods.

Larry Owens' SONDHEIMIA, Bernadette Peters & More Announced for Pasadena Playhouse's Sondheim Celebration
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 15, 2022


Pasadena Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman announced the latest news for the theater’s upcoming six-month-long celebration of the works and impact of Stephen Sondheim January 26 through June 11, 2023. 

San Francisco Playhouse Announces Cast For FOLLIES Opening June 30
by A.A. Cristi - May 19, 2022


San Francisco Playhouse announced casting for Follies by James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim. The musical will run on the San Francisco Playhouse Mainstage from June 30 through September 10, 2022. Bill English will direct, with music direction by Dave Dobrusky and choreography by Nicole Helfer. This marks the first fully staged professional production of Follies in San Francisco.

Pasadena Playhouse Announces 2022/2023 Season Featuring Six-Month Sondheim Celebration
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2022


Pasadena Playhouse has announced the 2022/2023 Season featuring a six-month-long celebration of the works and impact of Stephen Sondheim.  The State Theater of California’s Sondheim Celebration will begin in January 2023 and extend into June.  Find out what shows are included and the full schedule.

Natascia Diaz, Ryan Drummond & More to Star in FOLLIES at San Francisco Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 18, 2022


San Francisco Playhouse announced casting for Follies by James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim. The musical will run on the San Francisco Playhouse Mainstage from June 30 through September 10, 2022.

Porchlight Announces Cast of CHICAGO SINGS STEPHEN SONDHEIM, May 23
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 14, 2022


Porchlight Music Theatre has announced the current roster of music theatre and cabaret talent performing in this year’s annual Chicago Sings fundraising concert, Chicago Sings Stephen Sondheim, Monday, May 23, at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

VIDEO: Cynthia Erivo, Rachel Zegler, Ben Platt & Leslie Odom Jr. Sing Sondheim For the GRAMMYs In Memoriam
by Michael Major - Apr 4, 2022


Cynthia Erivo, Rachel Zegler, Ben Platt, and Leslie Odom Jr. took to the stage at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards to sing the music of Stephen Sondheim for the In Memoriam. The medley performance included 'Not a Day Goes By,' 'Send in the Clowns,' and 'Somewhere.' Watch the complete performance now!

Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler Will Honor Stephen Sondheim at the Grammys
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2022


A special tribute to Stephen Sondheim will take place during this year's Grammy Awards, Variety reports. Sung by Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler, the performance will be part of the show's traditional In Memoriam segment, which honors those we have lost in the past year.

VIDEO: Remembering Stephen Sondheim and Celebrating Andrew Lloyd Webber on Their Shared Birthday
by Stephi Wild - Mar 22, 2022


Today, BroadwayWorld is remembering Stephen Sondheim, and celebrating Andrew Lloyd Webber, both of whom share March 22nd as their birthday!

Rosalie Craig, Julian Ovenden, and More Join Sondheim at OLD FRIENDS Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 17, 2022


This May 3, stars of the West End will gather to salute the legacy of the legendary Stephen Sondheim at a gala performance titled, Old Friends.

Bernadette Peters, Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, and More to Celebrate Stephen Sondheim at OLD FRIENDS Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 3, 2022


This May 3, stars of the West End will gather to salute the legacy of the legendary Stephen Sondheim at a gala performance titled, Old Friends.

VIDEO: JEOPARDY Features 'Remembering Stephen Sondheim' Category
by Stephi Wild - Mar 2, 2022


Last night's episode of Jeopardy featured a category called 'Remembering Stephen Sondheim', featuring clues about some of the legendary composer's most notable work.

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

Videos