Similarities
* Both the play and the movie are based on the same story. The play was written by Arthur Laurents in 1957, and the movie was released in 1961. Both versions tell the story of two rival gangs in New York City, the Jets and the Sharks, who fight over a girl named Maria.
* Both the play and the movie feature memorable music and dance. The play's score was composed by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The movie's score was arranged and conducted by Irwin Kostal, with some additional music by Bernstein and Sondheim. The songs from both versions have become classics, including "Maria," "Tonight," and "Somewhere."
* Both the play and the movie have been praised for their performances. The original Broadway production of West Side Story starred Larry Kert as Tony, Carol Lawrence as Maria, and Chita Rivera as Anita. The movie version starred Richard Beymer as Tony, Natalie Wood as Maria, and Rita Moreno as Anita. All of these actors received critical acclaim for their performances.
Differences
* The movie is more visually stunning than the play. The movie was filmed on location in New York City, and the filmmakers made use of elaborate sets and costumes. The movie's cinematography, editing, and direction are all top-notch, and the result is a visually stunning film.
* The play is more focused on the characters than the movie. The play has more time to develop the characters and their relationships. The movie, on the other hand, is more focused on the plot and the action. As a result, the characters in the movie are not as well-developed as they are in the play.
* The play has a more hopeful ending than the movie. In the play, Tony and Maria are able to escape the violence and live happily ever after. In the movie, Tony is killed, and Maria is left alone. The play's ending is more hopeful, but the movie's ending is more realistic.
Overall, West Side Story is a great story that has been told effectively both on stage and on screen. The play is more focused on the characters, while the movie is more visually stunning. Both versions are worth seeing, and each offers a unique experience.