Written by Arthur Lens and music by Leonard Bernstein, the original West Side Story musical was inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Jerome Robbins, the creator of West Side Story, was a 5 time Tony winner, in addition to winning 2 Academy Awards. Often considered to be the greatest musical to have come out of Broadway, the timeless masterpiece was one of the most successful musicals on the stage. Considered a modern rendition of Romeo and Juliet, the parallels are unmistakable. The story follows a couple, ripped apart by the hate between two gangs of the urban jungle of New York City. Directed and choreographed by the two-time Tony nominee, Joey Mckneely, you are in for a night of dance, music and vibrant performance. McKneely brings some of Australia’s brightest talent to the stage, for a spirited revival of 1957.

The Story

Set in the mid-1950s, the Jets and Sharks are two teenage street gangs in New York City. The Jets consist of a gang of white men, while the members of the Sharks are the new entrants into the city from Puerto Rico. Tony is a former member of the Jets but has left the life behind in pursuit of other endeavors. He is best friends with the leader of the Jets. Soon enough, he finds himself falling in love with a girl, Maria. He finds out that Maria is none other than the sister of the Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. Can love triumph the hate that these two gangs harbor for each other? Can the social differences be put aside for a friendly reconciliation or will the deep-rooted enmity between the gangs take a dark turn?

Good for

Lovers of West Side Story | Musical Fans | Fans of Jerome Robbins