WEST SIDE STORY
In 1957, Leonard Bernstein's collaboration with choreographer Jerome Robbins, writer Arthur Laurents, and lyricist Stephen Sondheim led to one of the most beloved musicals in American theater. Inspired by William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is set in a blue-collar neighborhood in 1950s New York. The story explores the rivalry between two teenage street-gangs, the Sharks from Puerto Rico and a Polish-American working-class group, the Jets. The young protagonist, Tony, one of the Jets, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The dark theme and sophisticated music reflected the social issues of the time and marked a major turning point in American musical theater. Bernstein's score for the musical includes songs "Something's Coming,” "Maria," "America," "Somewhere," "Tonight," "Jet Song," "I Feel Pretty," "A Boy Like That," “I Have a Love,” "One Hand, One Heart," "Officer Krupke" and "Cool".
Bernstein’s music is firmly planted in both the worlds of modern classical music and Broadway musical theater.
West Side Story, one of the greatest love stories of all time, opens on the CAP Center Playhouse stage August 1 - August 17. This new production of the timeless classic mesmerizes audiences of all ages from the first note to the final breath. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features beloved American musical theatre classics including “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere.”, an extraordinary cast and an iconic score soaring throughout, theatre goers will fall in love with West Side Story all over again.
West Side Story tells the tragic love story between lead characters Maria, and Tony, each from different neighborhoods in New York City. The strength of their love cannot overcome the hatred between warring street gangs the Sharks and the Jets. Directed by Bruce Grossman and musically directed by Jon Riss this is a show not to be missed. Performed by a highly talented adult cast.