West Side Story comes to the Broadway Theatre in the Times Square Theater District with previews December 10, 2019 for an opening on February 20, 2020. [That’s 02202020. Hope it’s a lucky day.] From $39
West Side Story is Romeo and Juliet set in the neighborhood that was redeveloped into Lincoln Center. Tony, the leader of the Jets, a white gang, falls in love with Maria, the little sister of the leader of the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang.
The original 1957 Broadway play was conceived, directed and choreographed by New York City Ballet legend Jerome Robbins. Leonard Bernstein wrote the music. Stephen Sondheim wrote the music. Arthur Laurents wrote the book.
It is incredible how well these Jewish creatives understood the Latin community. Maybe it makes sense because we grew up together in the same neighborhoods. We have made some progress, but Sondheim’s lyrics remain as true in 2019 as they were in 1957.
It turns out that the original story was set in New York City’s Jewish community. The Sharks got changed from Jewish to Puerto Rican. The thing is that this is a human story, so if you are human, you should be able to relate to it.
In a way, this is the story of what is happening in our country right now. Blood is being shed for no good reason, on the border, in our schools, stores and on our streets. How much blood must be spilled before we come to our senses?
West Side Story Broadway 2020
Tony Award-winning, Belgian experimental director Ivo van Hove is bringing West Side Story back to Broadway. Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker handles the choreography. Van Hove is known for bold reinterpretations of classic plays and films.
Isaac Powell is Tony. Shereen Pimentel is Maria. New York City Ballet Principal Amar Ramasar is Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks.
The show is produced by heavyweights Scott Rudin, Barry Diller and David Geffen. Thank you!
West Side Story Broadway Tickets
Tickets are on sale through September 6, 2020. $39 – $199