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 | |
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1958 | Best Musical | |
1980 | Best Revival | |
2009 | Best Revival of a Musical |
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Videos
Seventh Avenue South
Hudson Guild (6/3 - 6/9) | ||
GOOD JEW
Edmond J. Safra Hall (6/6 - 6/6)
PHOTOS
DISCOUNT
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The Lady on the Stairs
The Stonewall Inn (5/25 - 5/29) | ||
Cherry's On Top!
The Green Room 42 (6/26 - 6/26) COMEDY
PHOTOS
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Broadway Sings: Heroes Forged in the Flame
The Green Room 42 (6/8 - 6/8) | ||
Sound and Fury and Shakespeare
The Parkside Players (5/18 - 6/2) NEW MUSICAL
PHOTOS
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Dungeons and Drag Queens!
SoHo Playhouse (6/28 - 6/28) | ||
Take Root Presents: Kaley Pruitt Dance & Laura Neese / Dance Projects
Green Space (5/31 - 6/1) | ||
Broadway by the Season
Merkin Hall (6/17 - 6/17) | ||
54 Sings Broadway's Greatest Hits
54 Below (7/20 - 7/20) | ||
Highbridge Voices Benefit Concert
Theatre at St. Jeans (6/19 - 6/19) | ||
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