West Side Story, Musical by L. Bernstein
A production of Leonard Bernstein's hugely successful West Side Story is among the highlights of the Caracalla Festival in Rome. The musical is performed by Teatro dell’Opera di Roma's corps de ballet and orchestra at the Baths of Caracalla, one of the city's most notable ancient sites. Bernstein and Jerome Robbins, the choreographer he worked with at the time, had been planning a new interpretation of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare for musical theatre since as early as 1949. However, it was not until 19 August 1957 that the musical was first staged in Washington, DC, the US capital.
Set in New York City, West Side Story reimagines the rival houses of Shakespeare's play as street gangs. The original idea had been to use different religious communities in the city to create the tension the two main characters feel about their love. However, this idea morphed into two gangs from different ethnicities who were battling for control of what they saw as their corner of Manhattan. This occurred some time after the playwright Arthur Laurents was brought on board with the project, when he and Bernstein took the bold decision to reshape it in this way. Reflecting some of the turf warfare that was a reality in Manhattan's West Side at the time, the musical had an instant resonance. After the production transferred to Broadway – its New York premiere was on 26 September 1957 at the Winter Garden Theatre – it ran for 732 performances before becoming a hit touring show.
Stephen Sondheim provided the lyrics for West Side Story, one of his early successes. His lyricism provides uplifting moments throughout the musical but they also have an edge which Bernstein's arrangements draw out. For example, during Maria and Tony's duet, Tonight, the pair declare their love for one another but other, darker events are playing out. Just like Romeo and Juliet, the pair are seemingly trapped by their circumstances, their split loyalties and their communities.
America, an ensemble piece performed by one of the gangs, is among the most memorable sections of the musical. It is a bittersweet discussion of the merits and downsides of an American life sung by newcomers to New York. At once enthusiastic and cynical, it features Hispanic rhythms which are often complex leading to some impressive choreographic opportunities. As this production at the Terme di Caracalla makes clear, West Side Story has lost none of its ability to delight, shock and entertain.