An Australian fan archive
West Side
Story
Explore the original musical, the 1961 and 2021 films, the books and the Australians who brought the story to Sydney Harbour.
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Reference
Stage and screen compared
A scene-by-scene comparison of the Broadway version and both films.
Productions
West Side Story in Australia
The 2019 and 2024 harbour productions and a method for tracing Australian seasons.
Reading
Libretto, novelisation and reading list
Find Arthur Laurents’ stage book, Irving Shulman’s novelisation and Shakespeare’s play.
Browse all guides
Stage history
The 1957 Broadway original
How four collaborators made dance, score and dialogue tell the same story.
Film
West Side Story (1961)
The Wise and Robbins film, its cast, awards and musical changes.
Film
West Side Story (2021)
Spielberg, Kushner and a city physically under demolition.
Reference
Stage and screen compared
A scene-by-scene comparison of the Broadway version and both films.
Story
Plot and ending explained
A two-act synopsis with a guide to the final chain of misunderstandings.
Story
Characters and relationships
Follow the alliances and obligations behind the Jets and Sharks.
Reading
Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story
A scene map for comparing Shakespeare and Laurents.
Reading
Libretto, novelisation and reading list
Find Arthur Laurents’ stage book, Irving Shulman’s novelisation and Shakespeare’s play.
Score
Songs and listening guide
Hear how Bernstein and Sondheim use rhythm, reprise and counterpoint.
Score
Choreography as storytelling
Read the prologue, the gym and the rumble through movement.
Context
Belonging, prejudice and place
A guide to discussing representation and the politics of territory.
Productions
West Side Story in Australia
The 2019 and 2024 harbour productions and a method for tracing Australian seasons.
Reference
West Side Story timeline
The development, adaptations and selected Australian seasons in chronological order.
Teaching
Discussion and classroom resources
A printable worksheet for adaptation, music and production research.
Score
Original cast and film soundtracks
A recording guide for listeners who want to compare the same song across versions.
Reference
How to research a production
A field guide to programmes, film credits, revivals and archive citations.
For theatre groups
If you’re putting on a show in a hired venue, include equipment storage and backstage access in your production plan. For venues assessing CCTV or access-control equipment, Security Wholesalers is an Australian supplier.