top of page

West Side Story

This 1957 modern-day retelling of “Romeo and Juliet” has proven to be a timeless masterpiece which continues to draw large audiences, and to challenge the young performers, who must sing, dance, and act with equal skill. Taking place on the west side of Manhattan during a period of 48 hours, warring street gangs - the “native born” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks - escalate from street pranks to lethal violence. Caught in the middle of their conflict is a pair of “star-crossed lovers,” Tony and Maria, who believe that love can unite their warring families and lead to a more peaceful existence. Propelled by the surging music of Leonard Bernstein, the smart lyrics of Stephen Sondheim, and the economical libretto of Arthur Laurents, this tale of young violence and hopeful passion is unfortunately as relevant as ever.

Scenery

The set for West Side Story, designed by Robert A. Kovach, includes all set pieces and furniture necessary to depict the various locations discussed in the script. Set elements include an adjustable framework of girders, chain link units, and (imitation) brick walls. Hard pieces include a rolling door unit for the exterior of Doc’s drug store, bar with barstools and Jukebox for Doc’s, a two-sided bridal shop wagon, Maria’s bedroom unit with practical door and window, a sturdy two-story unit with balcony and metal ladder, and additional freestanding brick and chain link units.

  • Built: 2014

  • Movement: Actor motivated / crew assist

  • Offstage space: Average

  • Number of Trucks: * 1- 53’ air-ride

  • # Line sets used: ~22 (~4 hard units)

  • Groundrow: Yes

  • Portals: Truss units w-house borders and legs

  • Load-in crew: 8-carps / 4- elec / 2-prop / 3-fly

  • Load-in time: 10+ hours

  • Show crew: 2- carps / 2-elec / 2-prop

  • Fly crew: 2

*See Space requirements for Logistic Requirements

Costumes

Costumes by Dixon Reynolds are appropriate to the 1950s time period of the story, and are very useful at keeping track of which young people belong to which faction. They also help to define the unique characteristics of the principal characters. Of course all costumes are designed to be danced in, and the package was initially put together for accommodating a large cast.

  • Built: 2014

  • Supported cast:  9-Jets / 9- Sharks / 16- Ladies / 4- Adults

  • Shipping: 1-gondola

  • Alterations: Some

  • Principal size range: Female- 2 to 8 / Male- 36 to 42

  • # Ensemble Bottoms: As per numbers

  • # Ensemble Tops:  As per numbers

  • Shoes: None

  • Wigs: None

Properties

​

  • Built: 2014

  • Offstage space: Average

  • # of road boxes: All boxed items pack within scenery

  • Furniture: Some

  • Expendables: None

  • Specialty Items: None

  • Individual items for rent: None

Drops

​

  • Built: 2014

  • # of drops: 2

  • Types of goods: RP Screen (if available)/ Gym streamers

  • Size range: 54’x26’

  • Shipping: 1-container / 1-box

Projections

​

bottom of page