West Side Story Tickets

'West Side Story' is a musical that first premiered on Broadway in 1957. It is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, set in New York City's Upper West Side in the 1950s. The story follows the love affair between Tony, a former member of the Jets gang, and Maria, the sister of the leader of the rival Sharks gang.

The music for 'West Side Story' was composed by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

'West Side Story' was conceived by choreographer Jerome Robbins, who initially pitched the idea to Leonard Bernstein in 1949. The show went through a long development process, with several rewrites and changes to the story and music. It opened on Broadway in 1957 and was a critical and commercial success, running for over 700 performances. It has since been adapted into a film, numerous revivals, and productions around the world.

The main characters in 'West Side Story' are Tony, Maria, Bernardo, and Anita. Tony is a former member of the Jets gang who falls in love with Maria, the sister of the leader of the rival Sharks gang. Bernardo is the leader of the Sharks, and Anita is his girlfriend and Maria's best friend.

Some of the most famous songs from 'West Side Story' include "Maria," "America," "Tonight," "I Feel Pretty," and "Somewhere."

The choreography in 'West Side Story' is known for its high-energy and athleticism, incorporating elements of ballet and jazz. The dance sequences are an essential part of the storytelling and help to convey the emotions of the characters.

'West Side Story' explores themes of love, prejudice, violence, and the struggle for social justice. It highlights the tensions and conflicts between different racial and ethnic groups in America and the challenges of overcoming those divisions.

The 1961 film adaptation of 'West Side Story' made several changes to the story and characters, including making the gang members a mix of white and Puerto Rican, rather than predominantly white as in the original production. The film also added new songs and expanded some of the musical numbers.

Recent productions of 'West Side Story' have received generally positive reviews, with critics praising the choreography, music, and performances. Some reviewers have noted the relevance of the show's themes to current issues of race and immigration.

'West Side Story' continues to resonate with audiences today due to its powerful themes, memorable music, and dynamic choreography. The show's exploration of social and cultural issues remains relevant, and its message of hope and reconciliation continues to inspire and move audiences.