The story explores the enmity between two rival gangs of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds and is based loosely on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The innocent young protagonist, Anton ("Tony"), who belongs to an established local gang, the Jets, falls in love with Maria, the sister of the leader of the rival gang, the Sharks.
The dark theme, sophisticated music, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theater, which had leaned previously toward light themes. West Side Story is produced frequently by local theaters and, occasionally, by classical opera companies.
Bernstein's score for the musical has been extremely popular. Some of the songs include "Something's Coming", "Maria", "America," "Somewhere," "Tonight", "Jet Song", "I Feel Pretty", "One Hand, One Heart", and "Cool". Some music that Bernstein wrote that was originally intended for "West Side Story" wasn't used in the production. This music became later integrated into the Chichester Psalms.
The dark theme, sophisticated music, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theater, which had leaned previously toward light themes. West Side Story is produced frequently by local theaters and, occasionally, by classical opera companies.
Bernstein's score for the musical has been extremely popular. Some of the songs include "Something's Coming", "Maria", "America," "Somewhere," "Tonight", "Jet Song", "I Feel Pretty", "One Hand, One Heart", and "Cool". Some music that Bernstein wrote that was originally intended for "West Side Story" wasn't used in the production. This music became later integrated into the Chichester Psalms.
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