Which 1957 Broadway musical did Steven Spielberg adapt into his 2021 film West Side Story?

Steven Spielberg’s 2021 film West Side Story adapts the 1957 Broadway musical West Side Story.

The musical features a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Its story relocates the tragic romance of Romeo and Juliet to New York City, where Tony and María fall in love amid conflict between rival youth gangs. Spielberg’s film retains the musical’s songs and core dramatic structure while presenting the material for a new generation.

The 2021 movie is not a sequel to the earlier screen version. It is a new film adaptation of the stage musical, although it naturally invites comparison with the 1961 film. Spielberg’s version includes songs such as “Tonight,” “America,” and “Somewhere,” while expanding certain characters and scenes.

The 1957 stage production opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre. Its creative team made it one of the defining American musicals of the twentieth century.