Stephen Sondheim’s Legacy: West Side Story (2021)

By Fiona Byers, 2022

Published 12/22/21

Officially released on December 10th was Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story.” The movie adaption release comes at a tragic time - just a few weeks after the original lyricist passed on. The Broadway community mourns a huge loss for the famed Stephen Sondheim, who was also the writer of “Company”, “Sweeney Todd”, and “Into The Woods”.

With his work being remembered after his death, many are taking time to speak on “West Side Story” as preview showings happen. The story is based on Romeo and Juliet, but instead shows a love story between a white New Yorker man from the Upper West Side and a Puerto Rican girl who is the sister of a gang leader. More prevalent than ever in a time of intense bigotry and social divide, the 2021 film aims to uplift diverse voices and stars Rachel Zegler, a Colombian-American actress making her film debut.

Those who are seeing the film, which is getting countless great reviews, should appreciate the lasting legacy of theater icon Stephen Sondheim.