Performance Preview Guide for West Side Story
Performances: July 18-25, 2009 at the Francis 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
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West Side Story may not be suitable for children ages 13 and under.
West Side Story is 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 minutes with 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's Romeo and
Juliet is 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, heartwrenching, and relevant musical dramas of our time
Educational Content: West Side Story is 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 rumble only 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 not displayed on stage.