This sensational musical by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim transforms Shakespeare’s Romeo And Juliet into a musical set against the backdrop of 1950s New York gang warfare. The story follows rival gangs (‘Sharks’ and ‘Jets’) as they battle for control of the streets, and tackles the differences between the two gangs’ ethnic and cultural backgrounds. It explores the prejudices faced when Tony, the leader of the Jets, falls in love with Maria, the sister of the Sharks’ leader Bernardo. This translation of a classic love story into youth culture marks it out as one of the classic musicals of all time.
West Side Story is a mixture of vibrant and superb dance, a riveting score, and great songs such as Maria, America, I Feel Pretty and the haunting Somewhere.
This multi award winning musical is brought back to the Glasgow stage in September by Pantheon whose previous shows at The King’s have included Jesus Christ Superstar, 42nd Street and Calamity Jane.
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Arthur Laurents
Original production directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins
An amateur production by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED