With the Tony Awards quickly approaching, it’s interesting timing for Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of West Side Story. The Best Musical win went to The Music Man, but over the decades, the modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet has become one of the most celebrated musicals of the 20th century, fueled by Jerome Robbins’ direction and choreography (with Peter Genarro).
The original spark comes from Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers in Romeo and Juliet. (Fans of the Bard will want to catch a new, free production, currently running in Central Park, compliments of the Public Theater). Jerome Robbins, who directed and choreographed the original production, conceived the idea of West Side Story with bookwriter Arthur Laurents. Initially, it would be a religious spat between Catholics and Jews, but after realizing that this theme had already been done in other plays , they returned to the piece 5 years later and focused on an ethnic battle. Now, Polish-American Tony (Noah Henry), would fall for Maria (Sarah-Anne Martinez), who has just arrived in Manhattan from Puerto Rico. Robbins hired Stephen Sondheim to scribe lyrics.
Adding to the complexity is a turf war between gangs. Tony belongs to the Jets, while Maria’s brother, Bernardo (Antony Sanchez), is the leader of the Sharks. Both groups are hell-bent on defending their streets and reinforcing the idea that each side is the enemy.
As the adage goes, "good artists copy, great artists steal”, Alex Sánchez reproduces Robbins’ original choreography, which combines elements of modern dance, ballet, and athletic flair, all of which are performed with great precision by the hugely talented ensemble.
Leonard Bernstein’s score, which by now is woven into the cultural fabric, soars with beauty and infuses a slick hipness that sounds as vibrant now as it must have when audiences first heard it on Broadway. Under Ben McNaboe’s musical direction, the integrity of the score is intact.
Set designer James Youmans gives the gangs convincingly gritty streets to mingle. Antonio Consuegra’s costumes are period perfect.
For the most part, Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee and his team at Paper Mill has delivered another crowd and critic-pleasing season. Like most shows of that era, West Side Story might benefit from some editing as it has a few lingering moments. Yet grand musicals of this scope with such a large cast and epic themes are rare. West Side Story is a cool cool coda worthy of a short ride on NJ Transit.
- West Side Story
- Paper Mill Playhouse 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ
- Running time: Two hours and 30 minutes with one intermission
- Performances through June 28, 2026
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