West Side Story

Definition

West Side Story is a groundbreaking musical that premiered on Broadway in 1957, created by composer Leonard Bernstein and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. It reimagines Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' within the context of New York City in the 1950s, focusing on the rivalry between two street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, while exploring themes of love, violence, and cultural identity. This musical not only achieved immense popularity but also had a profound impact on American culture, influencing subsequent works in theater and film.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. West Side Story was notable for its innovative choreography by Jerome Robbins, which played a key role in storytelling through dance.
2. The musical's score features iconic songs like 'Tonight,' 'Maria,' and 'Somewhere,' which have become staples in American music.
3. In 1961, West Side Story was adapted into an Oscar-winning film that further popularized its music and choreography, reaching wider audiences.
4. The themes of West Side Story resonate with issues of race and class, reflecting the societal tensions of the 1950s in America.
5. West Side Story paved the way for future musicals by integrating serious themes with entertaining elements, setting a new standard for American musical theatre.

Review Questions

• How does West Side Story reinterpret the themes of Romeo and Juliet within its modern urban setting?
  • West Side Story takes the classic themes of love and tragedy from Romeo and Juliet and places them in the context of 1950s New York City, where two rival gangs represent the feud between the Montagues and Capulets. The star-crossed lovers, Tony and Maria, face societal pressures from their respective groups, which ultimately leads to conflict and tragedy. This reinterpretation highlights issues of cultural identity and racial tensions while maintaining the core elements of forbidden love central to Shakespeare's original play.
• Discuss the cultural significance of West Side Story in terms of its portrayal of gang violence and ethnic rivalry.
  • West Side Story is significant for its raw portrayal of gang violence and ethnic rivalry, reflecting real social issues faced by communities in urban America during the 1950s. By showcasing the conflicts between the Jets, a group of white teenagers, and the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang, the musical addresses themes of immigration, identity, and prejudice. This honest representation challenged audiences to confront their perceptions of race and class, fostering discussions about these critical societal issues in a time when such topics were often overlooked.
• Evaluate how West Side Story influenced the evolution of American musical theatre and its legacy in contemporary culture.
  • West Side Story transformed American musical theatre by demonstrating that musicals could address serious social issues while still being commercially successful. Its innovative blend of music, dance, and narrative set a new precedent for storytelling in musicals. The legacy of West Side Story continues today as it inspires modern adaptations and productions that tackle similar themes of love across cultural divides. The continued relevance of its music and choreography reflects its lasting impact on both theater arts and popular culture.

Related terms

Musical Theatre: A theatrical form that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance to tell a story, often featuring elaborate productions.

Leonard Bernstein: An acclaimed American composer and conductor known for his contributions to classical music and popular works like West Side Story.

Cultural Identity: The sense of belonging to a particular group defined by shared characteristics such as ethnicity, language, and traditions.