West Side Story (1957)

Class Preparation

• If you have the book Broadway: The American Musical (Kantor & Mason, 3rd ed.), read pages 248-257. In class we will watch the corresponding section of the documentary the book is based on.
• Handout of class slides
• West Side Story: Selected Lyrics
• The Leonard Bernstein Office Website has a wealth of information on all of Bernstein's works. For background and a synopsis of today's works visit these pages:
  • On the Waterfront (film score)
  • ​West Side Story

YouTube Links & Playlists

Videos:

• West Side Story 1961 Film: Ten Clips​

Playlists of scores:

• On the Waterfront (1954 Soundtrack Recording--24 tracks)
• West Side Story (Original 1957 Broadway Cast Recording: Larry Kert & Carol Lawrence sing Tony & Maria; Chita Rivera sings Anita [Bernardo is not a singing role in this version].)
• West Side Story (1961 Film Soundtrack: Jimmy Bryant & Marni Nixon sing Tony & Maria; Rita Moreno & George Chakiris sing Anita & Bernardo.)
• West Side Story (2021 Film Soundtrack: Ansel Elgort & Rachel Zegler sing Tony & Maria; Ariana DeBose & David Alvarez sing Anita & Bernardo.)