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.
Year | Category | |
---|---|---|
1958 | Best Musical | |
1980 | Best Revival | |
2009 | Best Revival of a Musical |
SUBMIT UPDATES
What did our critic think of “SOMETHING’S COMING” FROM WEST SIDE STORY at City Springs Theatre Company?
City Springs Theatre Company, Atlanta's home for professional musical theatre, will present the ground-breaking, Broadway musical masterpiece West Side Story, the final performance in its 2021-22 PNC Bank Season.
Videos
Kristen Chenoweth
Atlanta Symphony Hall (11/24 - 11/24) | ||
Leslie Odom Jr.
Atlanta Symphony Hall (12/13 - 12/13) | ||
Blues For An Alabama Sky
Actor's Express (5/30 - 6/23) | ||
Sunday Folk: Chloe Agnew of Celtic Woman in the Acoustic Duo The Brave Collide
Strand Marietta (6/2 - 6/2) | ||
& Juliet
Fox Theatre (1/7 - 1/12) | ||
Cobb Idol: Rock 'N' Roll Royalty Edition
Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre (7/27 - 7/27) | ||
Into the Woods
Bellissimo Theatre (8/9 - 8/18) | ||
Disaster!
The New Depot Players (7/18 - 7/28) | ||
Little Women the Musical
ACT1 Theater (12/6 - 12/22) | ||
Silent Film at the Strand: Wings (1927) With Live Organ Accompaniment
Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre (7/21 - 7/21) | ||
VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW |
Recommended For You