How is West Side Story connected to William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet?

West Side Story, directed and produced in part by Robert Wise, is a 20th-century adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet.12

The connection lies in the narrative structure and themes, which transpose the original tale of star-crossed lovers from Renaissance Verona to the streets of New York City. In this modern retelling:12

• The Conflict: The long-standing feud between the Montague and Capulet families is reimagined as a violent rivalry between two street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks.2
• The Lovers: Tony and Maria serve as the counterparts to Romeo and Juliet, falling in love despite the deep-seated hatred between their respective social groups.2
• The Tragedy: Much like the original play, the story culminates in the tragic death of the male protagonist, highlighting the destructive consequences of prejudice and violence.2

By blending these timeless dramatic elements with contemporary music and dance, the production provides a powerful commentary on social conflict while remaining rooted in the foundational structure of Shakespeare’s work.12