West Side Story Romeo And Juliet Comparison Chart
Introduction
West Side Story is a musical adaptation of Shakespeare's famous play Romeo and Juliet. The story is set in the Upper West Side neighborhood of New York City in the 1950s, where two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, fight for control of the streets. The musical explores themes of love, hate, and the consequences of violence.
Plot
The plot of West Side Story closely follows the plot of Romeo and Juliet. The story revolves around Tony, a former member of the Jets, who falls in love with Maria, the sister of the leader of the Sharks. The two lovers are caught in the middle of the gang war and must navigate the dangerous consequences of their love.
Characters
The characters in West Side Story are based on the characters in Romeo and Juliet. Tony is the Romeo character, and Maria is the Juliet character. The Jets and the Sharks are the Capulet and Montague families, respectively. The other characters in the musical are also based on the characters in the play.
Themes
The themes in West Side Story are similar to the themes in Romeo and Juliet. Love is the central theme, but the musical also explores themes of hate, prejudice, and the consequences of violence. The musical also touches on the theme of immigration, as many of the characters are immigrants or the children of immigrants.
Music
The music in West Side Story was composed by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The musical contains many iconic songs, including "Maria," "Tonight," and "Somewhere." The music is an integral part of the musical and helps to convey the emotions of the characters.
Differences
Although West Side Story closely follows the plot of Romeo and Juliet, there are some differences between the two. The most significant difference is the setting. West Side Story is set in New York City in the 1950s, while Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona, Italy, in the 16th century. The musical also includes additional characters and plot points that are not present in the play.
Conclusion
West Side Story is a timeless musical that has captivated audiences since its debut in 1957. The musical's adaptation of Romeo and Juliet is a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare's work. Whether you are a fan of musicals, Shakespeare, or both, West Side Story is a must-see.