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West Side Story

@ Theatre Royal Newcastle

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Could it be? Yes it could. Something’s coming, something good …

Don’t miss Newcastle Upon Tyne Musical Theatre Company’s production of the classic American stage musical, West Side Story.

Inspired by William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, the story is set in the Upper West Side neighbourhood in New York City in the mid-1950s, an ethnic, blue-collar neighbourhood. The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. The members of the Sharks, from Puerto Rico, are taunted by the Jets, a white gang. The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang leader, Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theatre. Bernstein’s score for the musical includes Something’s Coming, Maria, America, Somewhere, Tonight, Jet Song, I Feel Pretty, A Boy Like That, One Hand, One Heart, Gee, Officer Krupke, and Cool.

West Side Story has a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, libretto by Stephen Sondheim; co-written by Bernstein, and choreography by Jerome Robbins. The 1961 musical film, directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, starred Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn. The film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards and won ten, including Best Picture.

An amateur production presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of Musical Theatre International of New York.

Please note: Recommended PG

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