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
The Ritz Theatre Company gets set to go big in the months ahead, officially announcing a bold, new season beginning in September that reinforces the organization's ongoing commitment to 'embracing diversity in our stories and those who share them.'
The Ritz Theatre is at 915 White Horse Pike, Haddon Townshi, NJ.
Seussical Jr. (8/17/23-8/18/23)
Disney's Beauty And The Beast Jr (4/21/23-4/22/23)
Lerner And Loewe's Camelot (1/13/23-1/29/23)
She Loves Me (12/2/22-12/18/22)
Disney's Frozen Jr (11/18/22-11/19/22)
Peter And The Starcatcher (10/21/22-11/6/22)
Videos
Woe! Misery! Children's Theater
Clifton Arts Center (5/31 - 6/9)
PHOTOS
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Choice
McCarter Theatre Center (5/8 - 6/2) | ||
Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (4/12 - 4/12) | ||
Classical Favorites: Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky and More!
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (8/15 - 8/15) | ||
New Jersey Symphony at the 40th Giralda Music & Arts Festival in Madison
Giralda Farms (6/22 - 6/22) | ||
The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (12/7 - 12/7) | ||
The Great American Trailer Park Musical
Surflight Theatre (9/18 - 9/29) | ||
Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert
Count Basie Center for the Arts (4/11 - 4/11) | ||
Chris Ruggiero’s Summer Serenade/ New Brunswick Performing Arts Center
NBPAC (6/21 - 6/21) | ||
VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW |
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