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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.
Tony Awards and Nominations for WEST SIDE STORY
| Year | Category | |
|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Best Musical | |
| 1980 | Best Revival | |
| 2009 | Best Revival of a Musical |
Videos
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Sondheim Tribute Revue
Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre (5/16 - 5/19) | |
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9 to 5: The Musical
Lakewood Theatre Company (4/26 - 6/9)
PHOTOS
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Percussion Masterclass with Sandbox Percussion
PSU, College of the Arts, Lincoln Performance Hall (7/15 - 7/15) | |
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Matilda the Musical
Portland Playhouse (6/7 - 6/30) | |
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MUSIC ON FIRE: Beethoven, Brahms & Fagerlund
Reed College, Kaul Auditorium (6/13 - 7/13) | |
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PROTÉGÉ SPOTLIGHT: Bassist Nina Bernat
PSU, College of the Arts, Lincoln Performance Hall (7/9 - 7/9) | |
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The Drag
Twilight Theater Company (9/6 - 9/22) | |
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Iolanthe
Hillsboro Artists' Regional Theatre (7/19 - 8/4) | |
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PROTÉGÉ SPOTLIGHT: Opus13
PSU, College of the Arts, Lincoln Performance Hall (7/16 - 7/16) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||
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