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West Side Story, a modern Romeo and Juliet set against the backdrop of gang violence, is a powerful and timeless musical. The music was composed by the legendary Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, a master of witty and insightful words. Arthur Laurents crafted the book, or script, breathing life into the characters and their struggles. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1957 and quickly garnered critical acclaim, winning a Tony Award for Best Musical.
The story unfolds on the tough streets of New York City. Two rival gangs, the Jets, a white American group, and the Sharks, a Puerto Rican group, clash over territory and simmering tensions. Maria, the sister of the Sharks' leader, and Tony, a former member of the Jets, fall passionately in love, oblivious to their gang affiliations. Their forbidden romance unfolds amidst the escalating violence between the Jets and the Sharks, leading to a tragic confrontation that shatters their dreams.
West Side Story's powerful music, with iconic songs like "Somewhere" and "America," combined with its poignant story and exploration of social issues, continues to resonate with audiences. The musical has been revived numerous times on Broadway and around the world, and a film adaptation won ten Academy Awards, solidifying its place as a classic of American musical theater.
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Robert Frost: This Verse Business
Roberts Studio Theatre at Calderwood Pavilion (4/23 - 4/28)
PHOTOS
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I Hear America Singing: Songs for the People and The American Songbook
St. Luke's Episcopal Church (4/27 - 4/28) | |
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The Full Monty
The Umbrella Arts Center (4/26 - 5/19) | |
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The Stands
Firehouse Center for the Arts (5/3 - 5/5) | |
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Peter and the Starcatcher
The Company Theatre (5/3 - 5/5) | |
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An Evening with Amor Towles
Emerson Colonial Theatre (9/24 - 9/24) | |
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Orphie and the Book of Heroes
The Ruth Corkin Theatre at Brimmer and May (6/8 - 6/9)
PHOTOS
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SIX (Boleyn Tour)
Emerson Colonial Theatre (12/3 - 12/29) | |
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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Boch Center Wang Theatre (5/2 - 5/5) | |
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