Where to See West Side Story Live
West Side Story is one of the most beloved and acclaimed musicals of all time. With music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents, this re-telling of Romeo and Juliet set among rival gangs in 1950s New York City is considered a masterpiece of American theater.
Originally debuting on Broadway in 1957, West Side Story has been revived numerous times over the decades. With its gripping story, unforgettable songs like “Maria,” “America,” “Somewhere,” and “I Feel Pretty,” energetic dance numbers, and themes of forbidden love and clashing cultures, it’s no surprise that West Side Story continues to capture the imaginations of audiences today.
If you want to experience this legendary musical live on stage, here are some options to see West Side Story:
Broadway Revival
A new Broadway revival of West Side Story opened in 2020 at the Broadway Theatre. This production from renowned director Ivo van Hove offers a stripped-down, gritty take on the classic. While paying tribute to the original 1957 production, van Hove makes the action feel more immediate and visceral.
The Broadway revival stars Isaac Powell as Tony and Shereen Pimentel as Maria. Other cast members include Yesenia Ayala as Anita, Amar Ramasar as Bernardo, and Ben Cook as Riff. With a running time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, this West Side Story includes the musical’s full original score.
The Broadway production opened to strong reviews, with critics praising the bold new interpretation and dynamic performances. It was nominated for one Tony Award for Best Lighting Design.
West Side Story on Broadway performs 8 shows a week at the Broadway Theatre. You can purchase tickets on the official website, with prices ranging from $49 to $199 depending on date and seat location. The revival is currently scheduled to run through March 2023. Seeing this new production is a unique chance to experience a fresh take on a theater classic.
National Tour
A national tour of West Side Story is crisscrossing North America, giving audiences around the country a chance to see it live. This tour is based on the Broadway revival but features a different cast and creative team. It launched in December 2021 in Buffalo, NY.
The tour has upcoming engagements scheduled in major cities like Los Angeles, Denver, Houston, Philadelphia, Boston and more through late 2023. It runs for around 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission.
Cast members on the tour include Bianca Marroquín as Anita, Corey John Snide as Tony, and Gabriela Carrillo as Maria. The production promises to bring Jerome Robbins’ iconic choreography vividly to life.
Tickets are available for the West Side Story tour through the official website or each city’s major theater provider like the Pantages Theatre in L.A. or the Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia. Prices vary by location but tend to range from around $40 to over $100. Don’t miss your chance to catch this electrifying new version on the road.
International Productions
West Side Story is such a worldwide stage sensation that productions are running in various countries. If you’re willing to travel farther abroad, you can find the show playing internationally:
– West End, London – A UK revival is running at the Royal Albert Hall from June to September 2023, promising a “once in a lifetime experience” with a cast and orchestra of over 350 performers.
| Location | Theater | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| London | Royal Albert Hall | June – September 2023 |
– Germany tour – Catch the German tour making stops in Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin and other major cities through November 2023.
| Location | Theater | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Cologne | Musical Dome | August 31 – October 8, 2023 |
| Hamburg | Mehr! Theater | October 21 – November 12, 2023 |
| Berlin | Theater des Westens | November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024 |
– Melbourne, Australia – See West Side Story at the iconic Arts Centre Melbourne from October through December 2023.
| Location | Theater | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | Arts Centre Melbourne | October 13 – December 2, 2023 |
– Madrid, Spain – Teatro Coliseum in Madrid will host West Side Story from September to October 2023.
| Location | Theater | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Madrid | Teatro Coliseum | September 15 – October 15, 2023 |
Booking tickets directly through the official theater box office in each city is recommended to guarantee authentic seats. With its universal appeal, West Side Story is sure to impress audiences around the globe.
Regional Productions
In addition to the major Broadway and tour versions, regional theaters and local companies in the U.S. frequently put on productions of West Side Story. Here are some upcoming regional stagings:
– 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle – February 2 – 26, 2023
| Location | Theater | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | 5th Avenue Theatre | February 2 – 26, 2023 |
– Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia – March 7 – April 2, 2023
| Location | Theater | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | Walnut Street Theatre | March 7 – April 2, 2023 |
– Ocean State Theatre Company, Rhode Island – April 27 – May 14, 2023
| Location | Theater | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | Ocean State Theatre Company | April 27 – May 14, 2023 |
– Fulton Theatre, Lancaster, PA – July 25 – August 13, 2023
| Location | Theater | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster, PA | Fulton Theatre | July 25 – August 13, 2023 |
Check your local theater companies to see if West Side Story is coming soon. Tickets are typically $40-$80 for regional productions. Supporting local theater is a great way to experience this iconic musical.
High School and Community Theater
Due to its popularity and large cast size, West Side Story is a favorite musical for high schools and community theaters to produce.
Even if not on Broadway scale, local productions let enthusiastic performers take on classic roles like Tony, Maria, Riff and Anita. Dance ensembles get to bring Jerome Robbins’ high-energy moves to their hometown crowd through numbers like “The Dance at the Gym” and “Cool.”
West Side Story offers great parts for aspiring teenage musical theater stars. Keep an eye out for upcoming productions at your local high school or community playhouse. They may not have huge budgets, but the talent and passion make it worthwhile.
Local papers, theater company websites, community bulletin boards and high school drama departments are good resources to find West Side Story showings in your area. Tickets are generally affordable, ranging from free up to $20 or so, making it accessible family entertainment.
Conclusion
From Broadway sensations to international tours, regional theaters and local troupes, West Side Story continues to thrill audiences at every level. With its timeless story, legendary songs, and ballet-like choreography, experiencing this musical live on stage allows you to witness why it has remained one of the pinnacles of American theater for over 60 years and counting.
Whether traveling to New York’s Broadway Theatre, London’s West End, a big city stop on the national tour, or a production in your own hometown, West Side Story is sure to move and inspire. Don’t hesitate to get tickets the next chance you get to see Tony, Maria, the Sharks and the Jets rumbling through the streets in search of love and acceptance. Its message remains as relevant today as ever, continuing to reach across culture and generations through its boundary-breaking artistry.