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.


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


Cast Albums

Original Broadway Cast (1957)➝

Studio Cast (1985)➝

Studio Cast (1993)➝

Broadway Cast (2009)➝

San Francisco Concert Cast (2014)➝


Resources

Audition Songs: Theatre Trip

Licensing: Music Theatre International➝

Sheet Music: Amazon➝


Tags

1950s, Classic, Classical, College, Dark, Golden Age, Immigration, JazzPopular, Rom-Dram, Tragedy


Similar Musicals

If you’re looking to discover new shows, here are some musicals like West Side Story.

Guys and Dolls

On the Town


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