West Side Story - November 2013
WEST SIDE STORY is a triumphant legend where love transcends language, time, and place. Filled with drama and music, both tender and tragic, the story is based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Instead of warring families, West Side Story concerns two rival gangs, the all-American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks in 1950’s New York. When former Jet leader Tony meets Puerto Rican Maria (sister of Shark leader Bernardo) they fall instantly in love. They meet secretly and plan to run away together but the enmity between the rival gangs escalates to a frightening climax.
With an exciting score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim you are assured of a wonderful night or afternoon at the theatre. The original production of 1957 was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins.
This landmark musical bravely addressed dark social issues, while introducing sophisticated music and extended dance scenes. It’s now seen as a major turning point which gave the musical a new and broader definition. Its Grammy-winning score includes ‘Something’s Coming’, ‘Maria’, ‘America’, ‘Somewhere’, ‘Tonight’ and ‘I Feel Pretty’.
