West Side Story

"West Side Story" is a musical created by Leonard Bernstein (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics), first performed in 1957. It is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," set in New York City. The story revolves around two rival gangs, the Jets (white Americans) and the Sharks (Puerto Rican immigrants). Central to the plot is the forbidden romance between Tony, a former Jet, and Maria, the sister of a Shark leader. Themes of love, prejudice, and the challenges of cultural conflict are explored through engaging music and choreography, making it a significant work in American theater.