West Side Story Lyrics – All Songs from the Musical

The libretto was developed by A. Laurents. The music composed by L. Bernstein. Lyrics written by S. Sondheim. Tryouts were held at the Washington National Theatre in Philadelphia’s Erlanger Theatre. In September 1957 in the Winter Garden Theatre, there was a premiere of Broadway’s production. In March 1959, the show moved to Broadway Theatre. From May to June 1959, the histrionics was held again in the Winter Garden Theatre. There have been shown 732 performances. Production realized the director J. Robbins and choreographer P. Gennaro. The show had cast: M. Calin, L. Kert, E. Roll, K. L. Roy, C. Lawrence & C. Rivera. In 1960, in the Winter Garden Theatre was renewed spectacle. It held 253 appearances. In December 1958, Her Majesty's Theatre hosted the premiere of the London production. It has ended in June 1961, after 1040 performances. The production was developed by J. Robbins & P. Gennaro. The following cast was there: K. L. Roy, D. McKay, M. Watters, C. Rivera & G. Chakiris.

From April to May 1964 in New York City Center was a new version of the play. The director was G. Freedman, choreographer – T. Abbott. 31 performances were shown and it had such cast: J. Migenes, L. Lisa, J. Moore, D. McKay & J. Norman. From June to September 1968 in New York State Theatre was a new version of the histrionics, starring K. Peterson and V. Mallory. From February to November 1980, the Minskoff Theatre showed revised Broadway production with the cast: J. de Guzman, K. Marshall, J. J. Mellon & D. Allen. In 1973, 1984 and 1998, several updated British versions of the musical were created. From March 2009 to January 2011, the Palace Theatre hosted the third Broadway production with the participation of M. Cavenaugh, M. Hydzik, J. Jordan, M. Shingledecker, J. Scaglione & S. Amenqual.

Synopsis: West Side Story.

New York, 1957. Two teenage gangs rule the West Side streets. The white Jets clash with the Puerto Rican Sharks. Amid chaos, Tony and Maria meet, hope, and fall.
Their fragile dream shatters when violence erupts at the rumble. Love fades into sirens, leaving only the aching melody of “Somewhere.” :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Timeless conflict.

Leonard Bernstein fuses Latin rhythms with jazz. Stephen Sondheim crafts razor-sharp lyrics. Jerome Robbins turns fists into ballet. Romeo and Juliet live again in alleys, not castles. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Historic milestones.

• 1957 Broadway premiere electrifies critics.
• 1961 film adaptation wins ten Oscars.
• 2021 Steven Spielberg film renews global fascination.
• 2020 Broadway revival by Ivo van Hove—short-lived, pandemic-struck.

Fresh staging updates 2024-2025.

Producers keep the story alive through bold revivals.

• Kansas City Starlight invites Baayork Lee to direct, August 20-25 2024. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Rome’s Teatro Sistina hosts an Italian-language tour, December 7-29 2024, then July 2025 return. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Houston Grand Opera casts Shereen Pimentel as Maria for the 2024-25 season opener. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• LA Opera launches its 2025-26 season with soprano Gabriella Reyes and tenor Duke Kim, opening September 20 2025. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Cast developments.

Pimentel’s Maria glows with fresh vulnerability. Reyes promises fiery lyricism in Los Angeles. Veteran Kyle Coffman brings swagger as Riff. Each revival reshapes character nuance, highlighting contemporary immigrant stories.

Music and choreography.

Bernstein’s score merges mambo brass with yearning strings. Original Robbins choreography still pulses, yet directors now add multimedia projections and handheld cameras. The mise-en-scène feels street-level, immediate, unsettling.

Critical reception 2023-2025.

Reviewers praise the opera-house stagings for vocal power. Some lament reduced dance presence. Audiences embrace the cinematic fluidity, proving the musical’s adaptable core.

Major productions at a glance.

Year	Venue	Director	Notable Lead
1957	Broadway	Jerome Robbins	Carol Lawrence
2009	Broadway	Arthur Laurents	Josefina Scaglione
2020	Broadway	Ivo van Hove	Shereen Pimentel
2024	Houston Grand Opera	Francesca Zambello	Shereen Pimentel
2024	Starlight KC	Baayork Lee	Brenton Ryan
2025	LA Opera	Francesca Zambello	Gabriella Reyes

Legacy and influence.

The musical’s fusion of classical composition, jazz, and Latin pulse remains unmatched. Themes of prejudice, hope, and urban struggle resonate with Gen Z and boomers alike. School stages to grand opera houses—everyone claims a piece of its heartbeat.

Questions and Answers.

Why does West Side Story still feel modern?

The score’s hybrid style mirrors today’s multicultural cities, keeping conflict relatable.

Which song challenges singers most?

“Maria.” Its sustained high notes demand perfect breath and emotional honesty.

Is the 2021 film faithful?

Yes. Spielberg restores lost lyrics, deepens Shark backstories, and honors original dances.

Can opera singers handle Bernstein’s jazz rhythms?

They can, yet require coaching to swing phrases without stiff classical articulation.

Where will it tour next?

Producers hint at a 2026 Asia tour, cities to be confirmed soon.