West Side Story opened on Broadway in 1957 as a collaboration of Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein and Arthur Laurents to create a contemporary musical adaption based on Romeo and Juliet. When Arthur Laurents realized he was committed to writing a new musical titled Saturday Night, he introduced an up and coming lyricist, Stephen Sondheim, to Leonard Bernstein, and history was made. The original Broadway production won the Tony Award for Best Choreography for Jerome Robbins, as well as Best Scenic Design. Starring in the original production were Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence, Chita Rivera, and David Winters.
In 1961, it was adapted for the screen starring Richard Beymer, Natalie Wood, Russ Tamblyn, George Chakiris, and recreating the role of Anita was Chita Rivera. West Side Story was revived in 2009 for Broadway with most of the dialogue and musical numbers for the Sharks being done in Spanish.
We hope you enjoy our production of West Side Story. Sit back and watch an incredible group of teenagers deal with the angst of growing up and dealing with life, turf wars, and love.
Fran & Maggie Doyle
Co-Directors
