West Side Story
A vibrant and multilingual revival of West Side Story opens this weekend on Broadway. VIEW OUR GALLERY of images from the new show and of great Marias and Tonys past.
Joan Marcus
Broadway's new revival features the original Tony award-winning choreography. Here, Karen Olivo and George Akram—the new Anita and Bernardo—kick up their heels.
Joan Marcus
Richard Beymer and Natalie Wood may always be the most memorable Tony and Maria—the couple from the classic 1961 film.
Everett Collection
Hard to believe this jump shot occurred before the advent of special effects. Russ Tamblyn as the 1961 movie's Riff—gang leader of the Jets—leaps over flaming rubble.
Gjon Mili, Time Life Pictures / Getty Images
Chita Rivera played Anita in the original Broadway production, which debuted in 1957.
Hank Walker, Time Life Pictures / Getty Images
Argentinean opera star Josefina Scaglione makes her Broadway debut as Maria, opposite Broadway veteran Matt Cavenaugh as Tony.
Joan Marcus
West Side Story was almost East Side Story: Originally conceived as a Lower East Side drama between Catholics and Jews, Bernstein and Laurents moved imaginary locations for a 1950's ripped-from-the-headlines feel.
Everett Collection
Natalie Wood became a true star when she played Maria, whispering the now-famous line, “Te Adoro, Anton,” from her balcony.
Silver Screen Collection / Getty Images
Stage's first Tony and Maria—Larry Kert and Carol Lawrence—won rave reviews, but didn't win any Tony's. My Fair Lady made its way on Broadway in 1957.
Hank Walker, Time Life Pictures / Getty Images
George Chakiris does a signature Jerome Robbins dance move as part of the Sharks, from the 1961 film.
Rolls Press, Popperfoto / Getty Images
Before coming to Broadway, Josefina Scaglione originated an Argentinian version of Hairspray's Amber von Tussle.
Joan Marcus
In stage's new bilingual version, America-loving Anita (portrayed here by Rita Moreno) speaks English and Spanish fluently, but reverts to her native language after her Puerto Rican boyfriend's death.
Everett Collection
One cast member will be recognizable to fans of reality television: Cody Green, who plays Riff in the modern Broadway revival, won Bravo dance show Step It Up last year.
Joan Marcus
The classic film won ten Academy Awards, solidifying Natalie Wood as an ingenue to reckon with.
Everett Collection
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