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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.
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Robert Frost: This Verse Business
Roberts Studio Theatre at Calderwood Pavilion (4/23 - 4/28)
PHOTOS
VIDEOS
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The Stands
Firehouse Center for the Arts (5/3 - 5/5) | |
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The Full Monty
The Umbrella Arts Center (4/26 - 5/19) | |
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I Hear America Singing: Songs for the People and The American Songbook
St. Luke's Episcopal Church (4/27 - 4/28) | |
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To Kill a Mockingbird
Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts (5/3 - 5/5) | |
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Grindr Help Desk: The Musical (an unofficial parody)
The Post Office Cabaret (5/26 - 9/5) | |
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A Messiah for Our Time
Jordan Hall at New England Conservatory (4/28 - 4/28) | |
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NUTS by Tom Topor
Barnstable Comedy Club (5/2 - 5/19) | |
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Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein
Colonial Theatre (6/27 - 7/21) | |
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