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What's the Story of West Side Story?Pulled directly from the pages of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the musical takes place on New York's West Side in the mid-1950s amidst widespread racial and social tension. The show begins as a war is building between two rival gangs fighting over the same piece of turf: born and bred New York boys, The Jets, and Puerto Rican immigrants The Sharks. In the midst of the battlefield are two young romantics, good-boy Tony, a Jet ready to leave the gang life behind, and wide-eyed Maria, the sister of Sharks leader, Bernardo. When Tony and Maria unexpectedly meet and fall for one another, tension between the rival groups only escalates, leading to a bloody and senseless rumble that costs both sides young lives. In spite of the violence, the true story at the core of the show is two lovers trying to find a way to be together—and whether either can survive when hate and ignorance are unwilling to yield.
What Is West Side Story Like?Considered a great groundbreaking musical, West Side Story has remained a poignant, provocative and emotionally devastating piece of theater for over half a century. Dark in tone and content, the show is flush with many of legendary composer Leonard Bernstein's most famous compositions, offering a richly layered score played by a full orchestra—a rare find, even on Broadway, these days. Factor in recreations of original director and choreographer Jerome Robbins' equally iconic choreography, and the production becomes an electrifying piece of musical drama. Despite West Side's difficult themes, the show also offers some of the biggest, brightest crowd-pleasers in theater history, including uber-ballad “Tonight,” the chirpy "America" and the hilariously macabre "Gee Officer Krupke." The show may be a rollercoaster of emotions, but it offers something for every taste.
Is West Side Story Good for Kids?Let's make one thing clear—audience members of all ages should come armed with tissues. Like its Shakespearian predecessor, all is not well that doesn’t end well, so those upset by anything less than a pitch-perfect happy ending should enter warily. The show also deals with adult themes: violence, murder, rape and bigotry all get their turn in the spotlight, as do bad language, sexual innuendos and racial slurs. While the tiniest tots may not be ready for this sort of musical education, West Side Story is a valuable experience for theater buffs and newbies alike. If your brood can handle the Academy Award-winning film, then they (and you) will be well prepared for what will play out on the Broadway stage.
HEADLINES: West Side Story National Tour Set for Fall 2010 -4/13/2009
HEADLINES: West Side Story Revival Cast Recording Release Date Set -4/2/2009
HEADLINES: A Girl Like That! Jennifer Lopez Stars in West Side Story, Sort Of -3/20/2009
HEADLINES: Tickets Now On Sale for West Side Story, Starting 2/23 -1/2/2009
HEADLINES: Matt Cavenaugh, Karen Olivo to Star in West Side Story; Full Cast Set -10/29/2008
HEADLINES: West Side Story Books Broadway's Palace Theatre -9/29/2008
HEADLINES: West Side Story, Directed by Arthur Laurents, Confirms Broadway Dates -7/16/2008
HEADLINES: Producers Plan B'way Return for West Side Story -6/12/2003
FEATURE: Listen to the New Sony Masterworks West Side Story Cast Recording Only on Broadway.com! -5/28/2009
Q&A: Karen Olivo -5/26/2009
FRESH FACE: Josefina Scaglione -3/26/2009
BACKSTORY: The Incredible Saga of West Side Story -3/2/2009
ASK A STAR: Matt Cavenaugh
FIRST PERSON: Joey McKneely: My 20-Year Rumble with West Side Story -2/24/2009
PHOTO OP: West Side Story Ladies Perform Live on Regis and Kelly -4/30/2009
PHOTO OP: Olivier Winner Elena Roger Visits West Side Story's Josefina Scaglione -4/29/2009
PHOTO OP: West Side Story Hits the Studio to Record New Cast Album -4/6/2009
PHOTO OP: Ugly Betty’s Stars Play it “Cool” at West Side Story -3/21/2009
PHOTO OP: Not Just Any Night! West Side Story's Cool Return to Broadway -3/19/2009
VIDEO FEATURES: Boomtown! West Side Story - Karen Olivo Interview -2/4/2009