“West Side Story” returns to Broadway in December 2019 for the first time in about eight years!

The legendary Broadway classic West Side Story is set to return to Broadway in December 2019. Many people know this iconic work thanks to its 1961 film adaptation, which became a worldwide hit. While details about the cast and creative elements were not yet announced at the time, this highly anticipated revival marks the first Broadway production in about eight years. Here, we share the earliest updates on the remarkable creative team bringing this masterpiece back to the stage.

The legendary Broadway masterpiece West Side Story

The original 1957 Broadway production of West Side Story, created by Jerome Robbins, premiered during what is now remembered as the Golden Age of Broadway in the 1940s and 1950s. At the 12th Tony Awards in 1958, the musical was nominated for Best Musical and became one of the defining works in Broadway history. When the show first premiered, the United States had emerged from the Second World War as a global economic power, and this cultural background paved the way for films and musicals that portrayed a new and more inclusive America. West Side Story, depicting the love and struggles of young immigrants in 1950s New York, resonated deeply with audiences.

The 1961 film adaptation, directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, made history with 11 Academy Award nominations and 10 wins. The film introduced West Side Story to a global audience and helped establish the musical film genre on an international scale. The show returned to Broadway in 2009 as a revival and received multiple Tony Award nominations, including Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical. This new revival marks the first production since the 2011 closing, with previews scheduled for December 10 2019 and an official opening on February 6 2020.

West Side Story creative team

Director and choreographer for the 2019 revival

Director: Ivo van Hove

Born October 28 1958, Netherlands

Ivo van Hove is a renowned Dutch director whose work spans Broadway, opera, and major international theatre productions. His credits include staging works such as The Taming of the Shrew and Angels in America. In 2016, he was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge.

Choreographer: Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker

Born June 11 1960, Belgium

Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker is a celebrated contemporary dance choreographer known for innovative work that does not belong to any traditional dance genre such as ballet or jazz. While contemporary dance is not often seen in Broadway musicals, her artistic influence is widely recognized, including features in official content from the Museum of Modern Art.

Original 1957 creative team members honored

Composer: Leonard Bernstein

August 25 1918 to October 14 1990, American composer and conductor.

Bernstein composed the original score for West Side Story, producing some of the most memorable music in Broadway history. A pioneering force in 20th century classical music, he became the first internationally acclaimed American conductor. At the 23rd Tony Awards in 1969, he received a Special Tony Award.

Lyricist: Stephen Sondheim

Born March 22 1930, American composer and lyricist.

Stephen Sondheim wrote the lyrics for the 1957 production of West Side Story and went on to become one of the most influential figures in musical theatre. Over his career he earned one Academy Award, eight Tony Awards, eight Grammy Awards, one Pulitzer Prize, one Olivier Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.

Book: Arthur Laurents

July 14 1917 to May 5 2011, American playwright.

Arthur Laurents wrote the original book for West Side Story. His notable works include the musical Gypsy, for which he received Tony Award nominations in 1975 and 2008. In 1985, he won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for La Cage aux Folles.

Famous music from West Side Story

West Side Story features numerous iconic songs by Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein, including Tonight, Mambo, and Maria. Below is the electrifying number Cool, known for its sharp choreography and dynamic staging.

Broadway Musical Discount Tickets – On Sale Now!

Find the best Broadway ticket deals right here faster, cheaper, and backed by local expertise. Get ready to experience the magic of Broadway!

1. Get discount tickets easily with instant booking
2. The most detailed musical guides and reviews
3. Dedicated support throughout your Broadway experience