How Leonard Bernstein’s iconic work soundtracked my coming-of-age experience

The unmistakable sound of a whistle was all it took to fill me with excitement. “Nothing’s even happened yet,” my friend remarked, confused by my beaming smile as we watched the teaser trailer for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. But I knew exactly what was coming.

On December 10, audiences worldwide will rediscover, or perhaps encounter for the first time, what I believe to be one of the greatest musicals ever created. When I first heard about Spielberg’s remake, I felt a sense of dread. “They’re going to ruin it,” I thought. Some productions, in my view, should remain untouched—West Side Story being one of them. Others on my list include Titanic, Grease, and The Wizard of Oz.

But West Side Story is different for me—it’s personal. I can pinpoint the exact moment it became a part of my soul. At 16, I was cast in a local production of the show, landing the role of one of the Puerto Rican girls, which seemed like a natural fit for me. Until then, I’d had only minor roles in community theatre, but this musical would change my life. It became my coming-of-age story, as I went from being a stranger to a passionate lover of Leonard Bernstein’s masterpiece.

Written by Arthur Laurents, the musical takes the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet and places it in 1950s New York City. Amidst the rivalry of two gangs—the Sharks and the Jets—Tony and Maria fall in love, much to the dismay of their respective communities. The drama unfolds as both sides do everything in their power to keep the two apart.

My introduction to West Side Story was through its music. Few composers do it better than Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. Even those who’ve never seen the musical can likely recite lyrics from at least one song, most notably “I Feel Pretty”. For me, however, the entire musical is ingrained in my memory. I can sing every song, every part, and I often do, much to the annoyance of my colleagues, flatmate, and unsuspecting passengers on the Tube.

One of my fondest memories is performing the show’s most iconic ensemble number, “America”. A lively and cheeky anthem led by Anita, the song is filled with high energy and wit. Our performance, though smaller in scale than the famous film version, was equally vibrant. The girls and I spent hours rehearsing together, creating bonds that made every performance feel like a celebration.

At its heart, West Side Story is about love, friendship, and the desire to belong—universal themes that resonate with people of all ages. When I watch the film, I’m reminded of my youth, of finding my place in the world, with Bernstein’s unforgettable soundtrack playing in the background.

I believe Spielberg’s new adaptation will resonate deeply with today’s generation. After several years away from directing, Spielberg’s return to the helm of this musical seems more than just a decision to remake a film—it’s the fulfilment of a lifelong promise he made at just 10 years old when he first heard the soundtrack.

When I saw the 2021 teaser in September, I was taken aback by how closely it mirrors the original. The stunning cinematography, coupled with the song Somewhere playing in the background, evoked the same sense of excitement and heartbreak as the 1961 classic. From what I’ve seen, Spielberg’s version promises to be a beautiful tribute to the original.

Sometimes I wonder if West Side Story is truly as great as I remember or if my emotional connection clouds my judgement. But perhaps that’s the point: it’s a musical that stirs emotions, that feels both familiar and nostalgic. Its themes—both timeless and timely—still resonate today.

Is it perfect? No, nothing is. There are moments I would change, but despite its flaws, West Side Story has stood the test of time. Here’s hoping Spielberg’s 2021 remake does the same.