West Side Story: Audiences and Critics Weigh In!
Watch the West Side Story preview trailer, see what audiences have to say after seeing it, and then read some of the rave reviews that are rolling in as we celebrate opening week!
May 03. 2019 - June 02. 2019
Upcoming Dates
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May 03. 2019 - June 02. 2019
Lyric Premiere & New Coproduction West Side Story
This iconic, Tony-winning Broadway musical transplants Romeo and Juliet to the backstreets of New York, creating a timeless masterpiece that comes to life with nearly 100 artists on Chicago's biggest stage.
Tony and Maria are two wide-eyed teenagers from opposing gangs who fall in love. As their friends and family battle with one another, Tony and Maria long for “a place for us…somewhere.” Their songs illuminate every scene and permeate our culture, from the romance of “Maria” and “Tonight” to the exuberance of “America” and the humor of “Gee, Officer Krupke.” Add to that the bold, sexy, iconic dances of Jerome Robbins that smolder and sizzle with energy, and you have a musical-theater experience you’ll never forget.
- Running Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes with 1 intermission
- Location: Lyric Opera House
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West Side Story videos
West Side Story articles
West Side Story: Behind the Scenes Videos
The collective creative power bringing the legendary West Side Story to Chicago's biggest stage is massive, and it needs to be. The iconic show has it all — laughter, tears, timeless melodies, high-energy dance, and a story that stands the test of time and feels as relevant today as it did when it premiered.
Riveting and Timely: West Side Story's Arrival at Lyric
You can count on West Side Story at Lyric being one of your most memorable musicals you've ever seen. The production by Francesca Zambello comes to Chicago after triumphs at four major American companies. It's a totally fresh look at this iconic show, performed by a cast bursting with talent.
Hot and Cool: The Creation of West Side Story
Unlike other 1950s musicals, West Side Story's original performers were unknowns, not stars. They were also appearing in an atypically gritty show, colored by both the cruelty and the ecstasy of young people living and loving in a vibrant but dangerous urban setting. And that show had a tragic ending, unprecedented for musical theater.
Program book
Go inside this production of West Side Story with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.
Meet the artists
* Lyric Opera debut
Photos: Todd Rosenberg, Lynn Lane/Houston Grand Opera
Lyric premiere of West Side Story generously made possible by
Lead sponsor
The Negaunee Foundation
Cosponsors
Anonymous Donor
Randy L. and Melvin R. Berlin
Robert S. and Susan E. Morrison
Mrs. Herbert A. Vance & Mr. and Mrs. William C. Vance
Major in-kind audio support provided by
A coproduction of Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, and Glimmerglass Festival.
"WEST SIDE STORY"
Based on a conception of JEROME ROBBINS
Book by ARTHUR LAURENTS
Music by LEONARD BERNSTEIN
Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Entire Original Production Directed and Choreographed by JEROME ROBBINS
Originally Produced On Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince
By Arrangement with Roger L. Stevens
Photo: Lynn Lane/Houston Grand Opera, Todd Rosenberg