Inspired by the timeless story of Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story takes Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, and places them in the vibrant battleground of New York City’s West Side in the 1950s. With music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
The story is set in the mid 1950s in the Upper West Side of New York City, then a multiracial, blue-collar neighbourhood. In the midst of the deep-seated rivalry between the Puerto Rican gang, the Sharks, and the white gang, the Jets,
The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang’s leader, Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks.
Maria and Tony discover that ancient grudges are no match for true love. Their warring factions, however, refuse to back down, and the “rumbles”, romance, and resentment lead the bloody path to the lovers’ ultimate, tragic conclusion
The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in musical theatre. Bernstein’s score for the musical includes “Jet Song”, “Something’s Coming”, “Maria”, “Tonight”, “America”, “Cool”, “One Hand, One Heart”, “I Feel Pretty”, “Somewhere”, “Gee, Officer Krupke” and “A Boy Like That”.
West Side Story Backing Tracks – America … A Boy Like That … Finale … Gee Officer Krupke … I Feel Pretty … Maria … One Hand One Heart … Rumble (The) … Something’s Coming … Somewhere … Tonight …
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