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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.
News About WEST SIDE STORY at MUSICAL THEATRE WEST
AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' Comes to Laguna Playhouse
January 05, 2024Laguna Playhouse presents the first show of the new year with the roof-raising musical revue, AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', music by Thomas “Fats” Waller. Learn more about the upcoming performance here!
Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Los Angeles Awards; Voting Ends 12/31
December 26, 2023It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Los Angeles Awards; 44: THE UNOFFICIAL, UNSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL, 1984, House of Bards Theatre Company & More Lead!
December 18, 2023There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; 44: THE UNOFFICIAL, UNSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL, 1984, House of Bards Theatre Company & More Lead!
December 11, 2023It's the final 3 weeks and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 11th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards December 5th Standings; INTO THE WOODS Leads Best Musical!
December 05, 2023It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; 1984 Leads Best Play!
November 27, 2023Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL Leads Best Musical!
November 20, 2023The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 20th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
First Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; House of Bards Theatre Company Leads Favorite Local Theatre!
November 13, 2023The first wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 13th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
East West Players Extends SPRING AWAKENING
November 09, 2023East West Players has announced the extension of the Tony Award winning best musical Spring Awakening. Based on the play by Frank Wedekind, Spring Awakening features book & lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik.
Review: Musical Theatre West's Heartwarming THE SOUND OF MUSIC Blesses Long Beach
October 25, 2023MTW's pleasantly perky, traditionally-executed production comes across as a show that's very eager to please, armed with a keen, fine-tuned goal of making sure both fans and newbies to this beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic are left feeling uplifted and happy. The show continues through November 5 at the Carpenter Center in Long Beach.
MUSICAL THEATRE WEST Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
MUSICAL THEATRE WEST is at Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E Atherton St, LONG BEACH, CA.
The story of Musical Theatre West is the 70-year journey from a group of volunteers performing in a high school auditorium to one of the largest and most respected theatrical production companies in Southern California. Beginning as the Whittier Civic Light Opera in 1952, the company originally produced two shows a year for just two days each, back when shows like RIO RITA and THE RED MILL were still in vogue. During most of the 1960s and 1970s, the group remained an all-volunteer effort, producing one show a year. Back then tickets were sold at Hinshaw’s and Myers department stores and could be had for all of $1.50 (75 cents for children)! In 1977 the group moved to the brand-new La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and began to produce a full season of shows.
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Spring Awakening
The Broadwater Mainstage (4/26 - 5/11) | |
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Change The Game
McCadden (6/9 - 6/16) NEW MUSICAL
PHOTOS
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Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr.
Nobel Middle School (5/2 - 5/4)
PHOTOS
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What The Constitution Means To Me
International City Theatre (5/2 - 5/19) | |
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Footloose The Musical
Mira Costa High School (4/26 - 5/4)
PHOTOS
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VOX Cabaret
Catalina Jazz Club (5/5 - 5/5) | |
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PRELUDE TO A KISS, THE MUSICAL
South Coast Repertory (4/5 - 5/4) | |
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Emilia
City Theatre (4/26 - 5/11) | |
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A Chorus Line
Norris Theatre (4/26 - 5/5) | |
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All-Beethoven
Hollywood Bowl (7/25 - 7/25) | |
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Hairspray
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (5/10 - 5/12) | |
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Fire and Blue Sky
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Los Angeles Music Center (6/6 - 6/6) | |
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