West Side Story: Romeo and Juliet Arrive in New York

West Side Story represents the story of impossible love with a tragic ending, a tale that has always captivated audiences. It began with Romeo and Juliet and reached its peak with this modern version of Shakespeare's classic, adding new touches to the story of the Capulets and Montagues. A modern version, in quotes, since this classic premiered as a musical at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway back in 1957. Almost five years later, the story of Tony and Maria made the leap to the big screen. It was 1961, and it became a social phenomenon, culminating in 1962 with a total of 10 Academy Awards . This was recognition of the masterful work of its creators, who, unknowingly, would give rise to one of the most famous musicals in film history.

Leonard Bernstein and Arthur Laurents: the creators of the musical

Several names were behind the success of the musical West Side Story , but undoubtedly two stand out. Leonard Bernstein , composer and conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, was responsible for composing the music that would make West Side Story famous. This wouldn't be his only success, as he also led other musicals such as On the Town . Premiering on Broadway in 1941, it was adapted for the big screen a year later, starring the brilliant Gene Kelly.

For his part, playwright and screenwriter Arthur Laurents was responsible for the conception and structure of the drama. To this end, as mentioned above, he drew inspiration from the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet , replacing the Capulets and Montagues with two gangs from New York's West Side: the Sharks and the Jets . Eternal rivals, a member of each gang (Maria, sister of the Sharks' leader, and Tony, a former member of the Jets) makes the mistake of falling in love with one of their rivals. The tragic ending is foreshadowed from the very beginning of this dramatic story.

As a backdrop, between each musical number and with love as the central theme, a reality unfolds that reveals the situation of immigrants in 1950s Manhattan. The Sharks came from Puerto Rico, while the Jets were of European origin (Czech, Irish, Italian, and Polish). A different setting from 16th-century Verona, reflecting the issues of racial integration in the United States at the time . Juliet's famous balcony was replaced by a suburb of the city of skyscrapers. This was the final idea after the writers discarded a plot based on the struggle between Jews and Catholics due to religious differences.

However, it was composer Stephen Sondheim who would write the lyrics for the musical. Another important name in this story is choreographer Jerome Robbins , who directed the musical and created the ballet. They worked closely together to create a musical theater work that would change the genre in the contemporary era.

From the stage to the big screen… and to success

More than 700 performances later, West Side Story had triumphed over its initial lukewarm reception. Thus, in 1961, it made the leap to the big screen under the joint direction of Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise (this would be the first time the Oscar for best director was shared between two; this would only be repeated once, with the Coen brothers and No Country for Old Men in 2007).

The soundtrack was composed by its creators, Bernstein and Sondheim , and the lead roles went to Natalie Wood (as Maria) and Richard Beymer (as Tony). But they weren't the first choices, and if Elvis Presley and Audrey Hepburn hadn't turned down the roles for different reasons, other faces would be associated with this film today.

For her role as Anita, Rita Moreno won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, becoming the first Latina woman to receive this honor. This wasn't her only win; the film received a total of 11 nominations the following year, in 1962, after its worldwide success. It won every nomination except Best Adapted Screenplay. It was recognized for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress and Actor (George Chakiris for his role as Bernardo), Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Sound, Best Costume Design, and Best Film Editing.

A timeless classic that remains relevant today.

They say a work of art is recognized by how it ages: if, despite the passage of time, it maintains its beauty and appeal, it is a true masterpiece. West Side Story perfectly exemplifies this unwritten rule, which is why it can still be enjoyed today in television reruns and various theatrical adaptations around the world.

Perhaps soon we'll also be able to enjoy a remake of the Broadway classic on the big screen , but in true 21st-century style. Steven Spielberg is already preparing his version of West Side Story , which is expected to be released in 2020. It will feature one of its most memorable actresses, Rita Moreno. She may not deliver another masterful performance as America, but it will certainly be worthwhile to revisit this key work of 20th-century musicals.

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