West Side Story is a classic musical that has captured the hearts of audiences for decades. The script for this iconic production was written by Arthur Laurents, a playwright, screenwriter, and director who was known for his work in theater, film, and television.
Born in 1917 in Brooklyn, New York, Laurents was a prolific writer who began his career in the 1940s. He gained recognition for his work on Broadway in the 1950s and 1960s, with hits such as "The Time of the Cuckoo," "Home of the Brave," and "West Side Story."
West Side Story was Laurents' most famous and enduring work. Inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the story follows the forbidden romance between Tony, a member of the Jets gang, and Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks gang. Set against the backdrop of New York City's West Side in the 1950s, the musical explores themes of love, loss, and the destructive power of gang violence.
Laurents' script for West Side Story was groundbreaking in its use of music, dance, and lyrics to tell a story. He worked closely with Leonard Bernstein, the composer, and Stephen Sondheim, the lyricist, to create a unique and memorable score that blended elements of jazz, classical, and Latin music.
In addition to writing the script for West Side Story, Laurents also directed the original Broadway production, which opened in 1957 and ran for 732 performances. The musical was a critical and commercial success, and it spawned numerous revivals, film adaptations, and international productions.
In addition to his work on West Side Story, Laurents was also known for his activism and social commentary. He was a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights and used his work in theater to explore and challenge societal norms and prejudices.
Arthur Laurents passed away in 2011, but his legacy lives on through his enduring contributions to the world of theater and his commitment to social justice. West Side Story remains a beloved classic that continues to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.
