Companies still perform "West Side Story" today.
Although "West Side Story" debuted more than 50 years ago, its themes remain relevant. Stage companies around the world continue to perform "West Side Story" to this day.
Plot
"West Side Story" is based on Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."
The plot of "West Side Story" is based on Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," with lead characters Tony and Maria paralleling Shakespeare's title characters. According to the official web site for "West Side Story," Jerome Robbins initially proposed the idea for the musical, which eventually became about two rival teenage gangs in New York City, one of Puerto Rican immigrants (the Sharks) and one of Americans (the Jets).
Stage
"West Side Story" takes place in New York City.
According to the official site for "West Side Story," the musical began as a stage production written by Arthur Laurents, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The original production was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. The show opened with a preview run in Washington D.C. on Aug. 20, 1957 and opened on Broadway on Sept. 26, 1957.
Film
According to the Internet Movie Database, the film version of "West Side Story" was released in 1961, directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise, starring Natalie Wood as Maria and Richard Beymer as Tony.
Awards
The film version of "West Side Story" won 10 Oscars.
The Broadway production of "West Side Story" won two Tonys in 1958 according to the official site: Best Choreographer for Jerome Robbins and Best Scenic Designer for Oliver Smith. For the film version, "West Side Story" won 10 Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor for George Chakiris, Best Supporting Actress for Rita Moreno, Best Director and Best Picture.
Stage vs. Film
According to the official site, the film adaptation of "West Side Story" remains largely faithful to the original Broadway production. However, some changes were made, including switching the placement of the songs "Gee, Officer Krupke" and "Cool," adding lyrics to "America," and the addition of a new character, Ice.
