Directed by: Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins
Starring: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ
Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, David Winters, and George Chakiris
West Side Story is a musical adaptation of William
Shakespeare’s signature play Romeo and
Juliet. The setting is New
York. The warring gangs are the
Jets—American teenagers—and the Sharks—Puerto Rican immigrants. The Jets are led by Riff Lorton (Russ
Tamblyn), while the Sharks are led by Bernardo Nunez (George Chakiris). When Riff’s best friend Tony (Richard Beymer)
and Bernardo’s younger sister Maria (Natalie Wood) fall for each other,
their love becomes undeniable. Though
their love is strong, these “two star-crossed lovers” may be doomed to a failed
romance because of their affiliations with the two rival gangs. Everyone should know the rest of the
story. West Side Story is a triumphant musical and one of the most
creative adaptations of Shakespeare’s famous romantic tragedy. With memorable hits such as “Maria”,
“America”, and “Cool”, you can’t help but love this musical. West
Side Story undoubtedly deserves a sober rating.
