SYNOPSIS

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, star-crossed lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Written by Arthur Laurents with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story is widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of the American musical theatre.

Packed with iconic choreography, intense drama, and a timeless, legendary score—including "Tonight," "Maria," "America," "Somewhere," and "I Feel Pretty"—this powerful musical explores love, loyalty, prejudice, and tragedy on the streets of the Upper West Side.

Main Characters

• Tony (18 to 25): A former leader and co-founder of the Jets, now trying to build a honest life working at Doc's drugstore. Handsome, idealist, and romantic, he finds himself torn between his loyalty to his old gang and his deep love for Maria. (Vocal range: Tenor)

• Maria (16 to 22): Bernardo's younger sister, newly arrived from Puerto Rico to marry Chino. Innocent, passionate, and strong-willed, she falls deeply in love with Tony despite the intense rivalry between their worlds. (Vocal range: Soprano)

• Riff (18 to 25): The charismatic, fiery, and fiercely loyal current leader of the Jets. Tony's best friend, who is willing to fight to defend the Jets' turf at all costs. (Vocal range: Baritone / Tenor)

• Anita (20 to 28): Bernardo's sharp-witted, assertive, and fiercely independent girlfriend. She acts as a big sister and confidante to Maria, navigating life in New York with humor, pragmatism, and style. (Vocal range: Mezzo-Soprano / Belter)

• Bernardo (20 to 28): The proud, protective, and bitter leader of the Sharks. Maria’s older brother, who strongly resents the discrimination his community faces and fiercely defends his heritage. (Vocal/Speaking: Baritone / Speaking Role)

Supporting Characters

• Chino (18 to 25): Bernardo’s mild-mannered and sweet friend, chosen to marry Maria. Driven to vengeance as the gang tension escalates.

• Action (18 to 25): The hot-tempered, aggressive second-in-command of the Jets who is always itching for a fight. (Vocal range: Baritone)

• Anybodys (15 to 20): A tough, energetic tomboy who desperately wants to be accepted as a full member of the Jets.

• A-Rab (18 to 25): A core Jet member, close friends with Baby John. Easygoing until pushed. (Vocal range: Baritone)

• Baby John (15 to 19): The youngest and most vulnerable member of the Jets, easily overwhelmed by the gang's violence. (Vocal range: Tenor)

• Snowboy (18 to 25): A bespectacled, self-proclaimed intelligent member of the Jets.

• Big Deal (18 to 25): A cool, relaxed Jet who loves music and humor.

• Rosalia (16 to 25): A Shark girl who longs for the tropical warmth and comfort of Puerto Rico, contrasting with Anita’s love for America. (Vocal range: Mezzo-Soprano)

• Consuelo (16 to 25): A stylish, sassy Shark girl and friend of Anita and Maria.

• Francisca (16 to 25): A younger, sweet-tempered Shark girl.

Featured Adults & Authority Figures

• Doc (50 to 70): The tired, compassionate owner of the local drugstore where Tony works. He acts as a voice of reason and peacemaker amidst the youth rivalry.

• Lieutenant Schrank (40 to 60): A prejudiced, cynical, and corrupt plainclothes police officer who abuses his authority to harass the Sharks and control the neighborhood.

• Officer Krupke (30 to 50): A bumbling, hot-headed beat cop who enforces Schrank's orders and becomes the subject of the Jets' satire.

• Glad Hand (30 to 50): An overly optimistic, somewhat oblivious social worker who attempts to run the community center dance.

Featured Gang Members & Ensemble Roles

The Jets & Jet Girls:

• Diesel, Mouthpiece, Tiger, Gee-Tar

• Graziella (Riff’s girlfriend, strong dancer)

• Velma (Action’s girlfriend)

• Minnie, Clarice, Pauline

The Sharks & Shark Girls:

• Pepe, Indio, Luis, Nibbles, Juano, Toro, Moose

• Teresita, Estella, Margarita