Story: West Side Story
Summary: West Side Story was an acclaimed and popular Broadway musical in 1959 and then Hollywood film in 1961. Based on the story of Romeo and Juliette, it is the story of an ill-fated and impossible love between Tony and Maria whose families and communities are at war with each other.
The conflict in this story is encapsulated in this song, an argument between Maria and her best friend, Anita. Maria had fallen in love with Tony, a boy from the rival gang. Maria's brother, Bernardo, was also Anita's boyfriend.
Page: 1 Introduction
West Side Story
West Side Story was a Broadway hit in 1957 and a very successful movie in 1961.
Page: 2 Maria and Tony are in Love
Maria and Tony are in love
Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, it's a tragic love story.
Page: 3 Sharks and the Jets
Rival gangs: The Sharks and The Jets
The story begins with two gangs, the Sharks and the Jets, fighting for control of their streets.
Page: 4 Maria and Tony Meet
Maria and Tony meet at the dance
Maria and Tony meet at a dance and are attracted to one another.
Page: 5 Their Love Creates Conflict
Maria and Tony meet at the dance
But they have a big problem: they come from rival gangs.
Page: 6 description
Tony kills Bernardo, Anita's boyfriend and Maria's brother
Their love leads to violence and then a fight where Tony kills Bernardo. It's terrible.
Page: 7 A Boy Like That (video)
Maria feels loyalty to Anita, but she's in love with Tony
Maria's friend Anita is right in the middle of the conflict. Maria is loyal to Anita, but she loves Tony.