West Side Story: Musical Info & Synopsis


Synopsis:

West Side Story tells the story of the rivaling Jets and Sharks, who are locked in a conflict for territory and respect. Amidst the rising tensions, Tony, a former Jet, falls in love with Maria, the sister of the Sharks’ leader. As this forbidden teenage romance unfolds, West Side Story touches on themes of prejudice, cultural clashes, and the desire for a better life.


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Musical Information

Musical Type: Golden Age (1957)

Cast Size: 20+

Genre: Romantic Drama

Setting: 1950s / USA (NYC)


Creative Team

Music: Leonard Bernstein

Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim

Book: Arthur Laurents

Based On: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare


Cast Albums

Original Broadway Cast (1957)➝

Studio Cast (1985)➝

Studio Cast (1993)➝

Broadway Cast (2009)➝

San Francisco Concert Cast (2014)➝


Licensing

West Side Story is available to license through Music Theatre International.

Australasia Licensing Options

Europe Licensing Options

International Licensing Options

Resources

Audition Songs: Theatre Trip

Sheet Music: Amazon➝


Tags

1950s, Based on a Play, Based on Shakespeare, Classic, Classical, College, Dark, Golden Age, Immigration, Jazz, LegitPopular, Rom-Dram, Tragedy


Similar Musicals

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Guys and Dolls

On the Town


Return to the complete A-Z musicals list »


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