“West Side Story” is a classic musical that has captivated audiences for decades with its timeless story, powerful performances, and iconic music. Here are six surprising facts about “West Side Story”:

1. Inspiration from Shakespeare: “West Side Story” is a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet.” The musical transplants the tragic love story to the streets of New York City, with the warring families replaced by rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks.
2. Original Language Barrier: The character of Anita, portrayed by Rita Moreno in the original Broadway production and the 1961 film adaptation, faced an interesting language barrier. Moreno, a Puerto Rican actress, did not speak English fluently at the time of her audition. Despite this, her performance was so compelling that she earned the role and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
3. Record-Breaking Oscar Win: The 1961 film adaptation of “West Side Story” made Oscar history by winning 10 Academy Awards. This includes Best Picture, Best Director for Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins (the first time the award was shared), and the aforementioned Best Supporting Actress for Rita Moreno.
4. Choreography Challenges: The film’s choreography, created by Jerome Robbins, was known for its complexity and innovation. However, filming the dance sequences presented challenges. To achieve the desired shots, some scenes had to be shot at a slower frame rate and then sped up in post-production to match the music.
5. Russ Tamblyn’s Unique Audition: Russ Tamblyn, who played Riff in the film, secured his role through a rather unconventional audition. Instead of performing a traditional scene, Tamblyn performed a gymnastics routine, showcasing his agility and physicality. This unique approach impressed the filmmakers and contributed to his casting.
6. Ongoing Cultural Impact: “West Side Story” has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The musical’s songs, such as “Maria,” “Tonight,” and “Somewhere,” are widely recognized, and the story has been adapted into various forms over the years. In 2021, Steven Spielberg directed a new film adaptation, introducing the classic tale to a new generation.