West Side Story

High school (ages 12+)
Art & Creativity

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/west-side-story

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the musical theatre innovation?Pioneered the integration of serious social themes with sophisticated music and dance
2. What is the stephen sondheim's debut?Marked the first Broadway production for lyricist Stephen Sondheim in 1957
3. What is West Side Story about?West Side Story is a musical that follows two teenage gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, and the love story between Tony and Maria.
4. Why is West Side Story important?It showed that musical theater can address serious topics like prejudice and gang conflict, and it won many awards.

Musical Theatre: A form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance.
Social Commentary: The act of expressing opinions on the flaws or wrongdoings of society.
Adaptation: The process of changing a story from one form to another, like a play to a movie.