Performance Preview Guide for West Side Story
Performances: July 18-25, 2009at theFrancis J. Gaudette Theatre, 303 Front Street North, Issaquah.
Patrons have different ideas of what material or themes are appropriate for them and their families. For this reason, we provide the following information:
The Production
- West Side Story may not be suitable for children ages 13 and under.
- West Side Storyis based on the Shakespearean story of Romeo and Juliet.
Versions available to preview: A script is available at the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre Box Office in Issaquah for you to read.
Production length: The show will run approximately 2 hours and 30 minuteswith a 15 minute intermission.
Synopsis:The world's greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre's finest accomplishments. Shakespeare'sRomeo and Julietis transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence, and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching, and relevant musical dramas of our time
Educational Content: West Side Storyis a two-act musical with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents. West Side Story is based on conception by Jerome Robbins and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Script Content Details
Please note: the following contains plot spoilers.
Racism: The plot of West Side Story revolves around the racial conflict between the Caucasian Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Both gangs refer to each other with racial slurs, or derogatory terms. For example, ‘spic,’ ‘PR,’ ‘micks’ and ‘wops.’
Violence:At the beginning of the show, a fight happens between the two gangs that is mainly stylized dance, only a few punches are shown. The climax of Act One is the ‘rumble’ where both gangs fight for supremacy. During the rumbleonly a few of the gang members fist fight, however throughout the scene knives are pulled and two people are stabbed. In Act Two, the Jets attack Anita and attempt to rape her in a stylistic form. At the end of the show,Chino shoots Tony and kills him. Throughout the entire show playful pushing, shoving, and punches are thrown between characters, but no physical harm is done or intended.
Corruption of Authority:The character Lt. Schrank is portrayed as a racist corrupt police officer. At the beginning of the show Lt. Schrank threatens violence towards the Jets if they do not cooperate with them. Lt. Schrank tells the Jet Boys that he hates the Puerto Ricans and will help the Jets get ‘rid’ of them. He also refers to the Puerto Ricans as “spics” and “PRs.”
Death: During Act One, two of the lead characters die in a knife fight. At the end of the show, Tony is shot by Chino and dies.
Disrespect of Authority:Throughout the show both gangs disrespect the two police officers, including lying and harassing them. In Act Two, the song “Officer Krupke” satirizes the judicial system and makes fun of police officers.
Disrespect of Elders: Through the show Jets often harass the store owner of their gang hangout, Doc. They yell at him to leave, or mind his own business.
Sexual Content:Frequently through West Side Story characters kiss both romantically and platonically. The character Anita sings about “getting her kicks” after the rumble with Bernardo. After the Rumble, Maria and Tony meet and fall asleep together. While there is an implication of sex it is notdisplayed on stage.