Despite the stage version's popularity, many audiences are more familiar with the 1961 film. Much of the original dialogue was kept, however some content was deemed potentially "objectionable" and was altered. Characters such as Ice, were added to the film and several musical numbers such as "cool" were either rearranged or changed completely.

The nation's post World War II economy had shifted to exclude many of the blue-collar jobs which had previously been held by the lower income residents of New York City. Due to financial troubles, tight housing plans, and rising crime, tension ran high in the world's melting pot. It was these circumstances which drove many of the city's young people to form and join street gangs to defend their neighborhoods and fight for their "turf."

In 1957, West Side Story appeared on stage for the first time as what Leonard Bernstein hoped would be "an out and out plea for racial tolerance." In 2009, it will appear on Broadway once again; directed by its librettist, Arthur Laurents.

PRODUCTION AND DESIGN

CAST

ADDITIONAL COMPANY