1. Genre Fusion: West Side Story seamlessly blends elements of classical music, operatic singing, jazz, salsa, and Latin rhythms. It represents a groundbreaking integration of diverse musical styles.
2. Rhythmic Vitality: The score features propulsive rhythms that reflect the energy and dynamism of New York City's streets and capture the youthful spirit of the characters.
3. Contrasting Motifs: Bernstein and Sondheim create contrasting musical motifs to represent the two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. The Jets' music contains aggressive and syncopated rhythms, while the Sharks' music incorporates Afro-Cuban influences and Latin melodies.
4. Lyrical Depth: Stephen Sondheim's lyrics are characterized by their poetic eloquence, wit, and social commentary. They explore themes of love, loss, identity, and societal struggles with intricate wordplay and insightful observations.
5. Iconic Songs: West Side Story boasts several iconic songs that have become standards in popular culture. Notable highlights include "Somewhere," "Maria," "Tonight," "America," and the powerful ensemble piece "Gee, Officer Krupke."
Narrative and Dramatic Elements:
1. Modern Adaptation: West Side Story is loosely based on William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, but transposes the tragic tale to the contemporary urban setting of New York City in the 1950s.
2. Thematic Layers: The musical explores profound themes of prejudice, discrimination, societal violence, class struggle, and the search for identity amidst divided communities.
3. Social Context: The story reflects the tensions between European and Puerto Rican immigrants in New York City, addressing societal issues such as xenophobia, ethnic violence, and limited opportunities.
4. Dynamic Characters: The characters of Tony, Maria, Bernardo, and Anita are vividly portrayed, exuding passion, vulnerability, and complex motivations. Their interactions drive the narrative and explore the personal consequences of social conflicts.
5. Fateful Romance: Like Shakespeare's play, West Side Story revolves around a forbidden romance between Tony, a former member of the Jets, and Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. Their love defies social barriers but leads to tragic consequences.